FMEP Legislative Round-Up August 1, 2025

Resource

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(DISAPPROVING OF ARMS SALES/EXPORTS TO ISRAEL) S. J. Res. 34 & S. J. Res. 41: Introduced 3/10/25 and 3/27/25, respectively, by Sanders (I-VT) and  both cosponsored by Welch (D-VT) and Merkley (D-OR). The first is “providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services.” The second is “providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed export of certain defense articles to Israel.” On 7/30/25, both resolutions were brought to a vote on the Senate floor. S. J. Res. 34 was defeated by a vote of 24-73; S. J. Res. 41 was defeated by a vote of 27-70. Floor consideration of the bill is here. Voting for either or both of the resolutions (w/ links to statements/X-posts): Alsobrooks (D-MD), Baldwin (D-WI), Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Duckworth (D-IL), Durbin (D-IL), Heinrich (D-NM), Hirono (D-HI), Kaine (D-VA), Kim (D-NJ), King (I-ME), Klobuchar (D-MN), Lujan (D-NM), Markey (D-MA), Merkley (D-OR), Murphy (D-CT), Murray (D-WA), Ossoff (D-GA), Reed (D-RI), 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), Whitehouse (D-RI). Also see:

Before the votes:

After the votes:

(DISAPPROVING OF ARMS SALES/EXPORTS TO ISRAEL) S. J. Res. 70: Introduced 7/28/25 by Sanders (I-VT) and Welch (D-VT), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed export of certain defense articles to Israel.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

(UNIVERSITIES *MUST* WORK WITH ISRAEL/SETTLEMENTS OR THEY WILL BE PUNISHED FOR BOYCOTTING, EVEN IF THEY DON’T HAVE A POLICY OF BOYCOTTING) HR 4795 [bill text]: Introduced 7/29/25 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, to require an institution that participates in certain programs under that Act to certify that students are not unreasonably obstructed from participating in academic programs in Israel, and for other purposes,” aka the “Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.  Also see:

  • Foxx press release 7/30/25: Foxx, Gottheimer Introduce Bill to Hold Higher Education Accountable for BDS Activity [“The Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act would: Require colleges and universities to annually certify that the institution is not engaging in a non-expressive commercial boycott of Israel or forgo ability to receive federal student aid.  Define “non-expressive commercial boycott of Israel” to mean a commercial action (including engaging in refusals to deal with Israel and terminating business activities) intended to limit commercial relations with Israel or persons or entities conducting business in Israel or in Israeli-controlled territories. Direct the Department of Education to make publicly available a list of all institutions who do not certify. Requires colleges and universities that are recipients of International Education Programs (Title VI) funding do not allow academic boycotts but instead engage in academic exchange reciprocity.“]
  • Gottheimer X-post 7/31/25: “The antisemitic, hate-fueled BDS movement seeks to destroy Israel — and has no place on our college campuses. Jewish students are being harassed and assaulted. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan Protect Economic Freedom Act to help stop this hate and protect our students.“
  • Forcing Universities to Normalize West Bank Settlements: This language of this legislation – which mirrors language developed in connection with state-level anti-BDS legislation – is clearly designed to apply not only to Israel but also to Israeli entities in settlements in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights (and perhaps some day in Gaza, when Israel starts re-settling there). This is accomplished via the language defining the term “a major strategic partner” to include not only key countries but “an entity licensed or regulated by, or organized under the laws of, such a country.“
  • Forcing Universities to Prove a Negative: This legislation sets up an situation in which the alleged absence of engagement with any Israeli partner/party, including in settlements, will become the basis for an accusation of boycott, putting universities in the position where, if they universities want to avoid being accused of boycotting Israel/settlements, they will need to adopt an affirmative policy of prioritizing maximal engagement/partnership with Israeli entities (including in settlements).
  • Setting Up a Cause for Legal Action: The requirement that universities certify they are not boycotting Israel/settlements leaves universities vulnerable to attacks by ideologically motivated private parties using the False Claims Act [i.e., those parties will search for and point to the absence of some relations with Israel to allege that a university lied in that certification, with the potential for massive financial judgments against the schools, of which they will receive a substantial portion].
  • Also see: Jewish Insider 7/30/25: Foxx, Gottheimer aim to restrict federal funding to colleges that boycott Israel [“The Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act would require schools to certify annually that they are not engaged in a ‘nonexpressive commercial boycott’ of Israel”]

(TARGETING PROTEST & NON-PROFIT SECTOR) HR 4620: Introduced 7/22/26 by Van Duyne (R-TX) and 2 Republican cosponsors (both from Texas), “To amend title 18, United States Code, to include rioting in the definition of racketeering activity,” aka the “Stop Financial Underwriting of Nefarious Demonstrations and Extremist Riots (Stop FUNDERs) Act. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. NOTE: this is the House companion bill to S. 2376, introduced 7/22/25 by Cruz (R-TX) and 6 Republican co-sponsors, and covered in last week’s Round-Up.  Also see: press release – Rep. Van Duyne Introduces the Stop FUNDERs Act to Include Rioting as a Form of Racketeering Under the RICO Act

(MAKING AN EXAMPLE OF THE NEA FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP DARING TO DISAGREE WITH THE ADL ON ISRAEL) HR 4658 [bill text]: Introduced 7/24/25 by Fitzgerald (R-WI) and 7 Republican cosponsors, “To amend chapter 1511 of title 36, United States Code, to impose certain requirements on the National Education Association, and for other purposes,” aka the “Stopping Teachers Unions from Damaging Education Needs Today (STUDENT) Act.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. NOTE: this is the House companion bill to S. 2428, introduced 7/24/25 by Lummis (R-WY) and 4 Republican cosponsors and covered in last week’s Round-Up. Also see: press release – Rep. Fitzgerald and Senator Lummis Introduce Legislation to Reform the National Education Association Federal Charter

(FURTHER TARGETING THE NEA) S.2516:  Introduced 7/29/25 by Blackburn (R-TN), “A bill to prohibit the National Education Association from engaging in lobbying activities.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Ban the National Education Association from Influencing Congress [Excerpt – “Background – The National Education Association (NEA) voted to fight against President ‘Trump’s embrace of fascism,’ promote LGBTQ events in public schools, and members backed severing all ties with the Anti-Defamation League. These latest examples of NEA’s blatant political bias, along with its recent promotion of hatred and antisemitism, are a clear departure from the organization’s intended purpose.“]

(FY26 NDAA – SENATE) S. 2296: Introduced 7/15/25 by Wicker (R-MS), the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026“.  Stay tuned for full analysis of Mideast provisions of the bill and in the proposed amendments in an upcoming edition of the Round-Up.

(FY26 NSRP APPROPS – formerly known as SFOPS) HR 4779:  On 7/23/25, the House Appropriations Committee held a Full Committee Markup of Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill (NSRP), at which they marked up and passed (by a party-line vote of 35-27) the base text of the FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill (previously known as the State and Foreign Operations – SFOPS) bill and its accompanying report. That hearing (video here) featured – predictably – lots of focus on Israel, Gaza, and the Middle East, including plenty of grandstanding in support of Israel and point-scoring against Palestinians, including via amendments (see all amendments). Also see the Committee (GOP) press release, Committee Approves FY26 National Security, Department of State Appropriations Act, which notes the adoption of an amendment offered by Diaz-Balart (R-FL), adopted by a vote of 34-27, that among other things “strengthens Iran sanctions and enforcement” and “confronts Muslim Brotherhood threats” and combats CCP-linked scam centers that target Americans. Next up: On 7/25/25 the FY26 NSRP Appropriations bill was reported out of the Appropriations Committee, and formally introduced as HR 4779. Stay tuned for timing on debate/amendments on the House floor.

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

7/31/25: The Senate Appropriations Committee marked up and passed its version of the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act and the accompanying report by a vote of 26-3 (mark-up video). As summarized in the Committee’s press release touting passage of the Committee’s passage of the bill, the bill includes: “U.S.-Israeli Missile Defense: $500 million for Israel Cooperative Programs including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow missile defense. The bill also includes $75 million for counter-drone cooperation, $47.5 million for emerging technology cooperation, and $80 million for anti-tunneling cooperation with the State of Israel.” REMINDER: All of this funding is IN ADDITION to the more than $3 billion in funding for Israel in the annual foreign aid bill, now called the NSRP bill.  Also, per the bill summary published in advance of the mark-up, “the bill provides $1.299 billion for security cooperation with allies and partners, including an additional $50 million above the request level for
Jordan, and an additional $50 million for Bahrain. The bill also provides $35 million above the budget request, for a total of $50 million, to support the Lebanese Armed Forces in stabilizing southern Lebanon, and fully funds the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund for Iraq and Syria.” This bill will eventually become the text the Senate adopts as “an amendment in the nature of a substitute” to HR 4016, the House-passed version of the bill. Also see:

4. Selected Members on the Record

Members finding creative ways to say they care about Gaza famine without suggesting Israeli responsibility (indeed, it almost feels like some templates are circulating on the Hill to help members craft statements of “concern” that boil down to standard WE STAND WITH ISRAEL, EVERYTHING IN GAZA IS HAMAS’S FAULT, CREDIT ISRAEL FOR HELPING! talking points…) 

  • Cotton (R-AR) 7/31/25: X-post w/video clip – “I’d like to set the record straight. Children in Gaza aren’t going hungry because of Israel. They’re suffering because Hamas uses food and aid as a weapon to stay in power.” [text of full floor statement]
  • Torres (D-NY) 7/30/25: X-post – “The free world has a moral responsibility to Palestinians in distress. Flood Gaza with food.“
  • Titus (D-NV) 7/31/25: X-post – “Hostages are suffering. Children are starving. Old alliances are crumbling. The war in Gaza must end now!“
  • Sherrill (D-NJ) 7/31/25: “I am deeply concerned by the famine and perilous security situation in Gaza. In February 2024, I went to the Rafah Crossing in Egypt and saw the backlog of aid trucks being kept out of Gaza. I took my concerns about keeping aid from reaching civilians directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Biden. Restricting life saving aid from reaching civilians was as dangerous then as it is today. Failure to take immediate action now will lead to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, including women and children, and the perpetuation of the war. I was encouraged to see the announcement earlier this week that increased humanitarian aid would be allowed to enter Gaza, but it is not enough. The previous system of distributing aid through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation was ineffective and directly led to the deaths of civilians at aid sites within days of beginning the operation. It needlessly endangered civilian lives. I immediately called on President Trump to work with the Israeli government and humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza to develop a safer method of delivery aid, but no action was taken. It is unacceptable that Hamas walked away from the last round of ceasefire negotiations and rejected the proposal agreed to by Israel, the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar. I again urge both parties to return to the negotiating table immediately to reach a ceasefire and bring the hostages home. But that alone will not lead to the end of this conflict. For that to happen, the human suffering must end.  It is past time that President Trump stands up for American values and works with the Israeli government to ensure that aid reaches the innocent civilians who desperately need it. Limiting the delivery of aid has only allowed Hamas and criminal gangs to exploit the situation. Ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is vital to maintaining America’s values, weakening Hamas’s support, and permanently ending the conflict.”
  • Smith (D-WA) 7/31/25: “William Galston’s op-ed in the Wall Street Journal acknowledges a hard truth: Hamas will never surrender. That truth underscores the urgent need for a fundamental shift in strategy. After nearly two years of war, it’s clear that the complete destruction of Hamas is not a feasible or sustainable goal and the cost of continuing to try is far too high. Hamas is a terrorist organization and bears full responsibility for the horrific October 7 attacks. But continuing this war indefinitely, with devastating consequences for innocent Palestinian civilians, will not bring peace or security to Israel or the region. There are Palestinians who reject Hamas’s violence and extremism and they must be empowered to lead. A new path forward is the only way to achieve long-term peace and security. The current course of continued military operations, displacement, and indefinite occupation risks even greater instability, can undermine key regional partnerships, and diminishes Israel’s moral and strategic standing. It is time for an immediate ceasefire to address the humanitarian crisis and for Israel to accept a permanent ceasefire in exchange for the return of the remaining hostages. Israel must begin working with the United States, Arab partners, and the international community to support credible Palestinian alternatives to Hamas to govern Gaza and the West Bank. We can continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself while recognizing that the military campaign has reached its limits. The time has come to shift from endless war to a political strategy that brings hostages home, delivers humanitarian relief, and builds the foundations for lasting peace. The United States must lead that effort.” Responding to WSJ op-ed: Hamas Will Never Surrender
  • McDonald Rivet (D-MI) 7/31/25: X-post – “The mass suffering and starvation in Gaza is unconsionable, and the GHF has proven wholly incapable of meeting the moment. We need massive increases in the amount of food, water, and medicine being sent to Gaza, we need to send it through entitites and channels with the capacity to distribute it safely and at scale, and neither Israel nor Hamas can impede the aid reaching civilians. In a situation this dire, there can be no excuses. Two years of this war has caused immeasurable pain and suffering for civilians on both sides. Hamas should have accepted the ceasefire agreement on the table last week. Now, we need a durable ceasefire that brings the remaining hostages home, allows aid to flow safely and durably into Gaza, and lays out a vision for the future of Gaza. Sustained peace is critical for the security and well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians.“
  • Rosen (D-NV) 7/30/25: X-post – “Supporting Israel and increasing humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza aren’t mutually exclusive. Starvation in Gaza is worsening by the day and current aid efforts are failing to meet the scale of need. More must be done to prevent innocent people from suffering. I’m calling on the Trump Admin to push for a large-scale expansion of humanitarian assistance. We must bring ALL the hostages home, deliver life-saving aid to Palestinian civilians, and urge for an end to this war.“
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 7/30/25: X-post – “ll that is needed to stop the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is for Hamas to surrender and release all the hostages.”
  • Moulton (D-MA) 7/30/25: X-post – “What’s happening in Gaza right now is an avoidable human tragedy. Access to food, water, shelter, and medical care is a basic human right, and it’s a moral imperative for the Netanyahu government to alleviate this suffering. Hamas bears primary responsibility, but Israel has the ability and the obligation to help. I want Israel to succeed in defeating Hamas and bringing the hostages home. But that won’t happen if its policies undermine its own mission, and you cannot win a war against terror by allowing civilians to starve. I fought in a counterinsurgency in Iraq. We knew then that protecting civilian lives was more than a moral responsibility—it was a tactical and strategic imperative. We worked to build trust with local communities and present an alternative to the insurgents, not fuel the next generation of extremists. Last week, I told the Israeli ambassador directly: what’s happening in Gaza is unacceptable. While Netanyahu has tried to deny the severity of the crisis, thankfully, it seems the Israeli government is now beginning to reverse course. We need lasting change. Israel should flood Gaza with aid, denying Hamas the leverage to control and profit from a scarce resource. Criticizing the Israeli government’s policy is not the same as opposing Israel’s right to exist or defend itself. Friends tell each other hard truths and hold each other accountable to our shared values and goals. This hunger crisis is a humanitarian failure. It is counterproductive to Israel’s long-term security and to lasting peace in the region.”
  • Olszewski (D-MD) 7/30/25: “As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, the images of widespread suffering—especially among innocent civilians and children—are heartbreaking and demand urgent action. I remain steadfast in my support for Israel’s right to defend itself and its people from acts of terror, including the brutal attacks by Hamas. At the same time, we must not turn a blind eye to the dire humanitarian conditions faced by innocent Palestinians caught in the crossfire. A just and secure future for both Israelis and Palestinians requires us to uphold our shared values of compassion, human dignity, and international responsibility. That is why I join my colleagues in urging all parties to do more to ensure immediate and sustained humanitarian aid reaches those who desperately need it in Gaza, while minimizing the diversion of aid. We must accelerate access to food, water, medical supplies, and other essentials, while continuing to work toward a durable ceasefire and the safe return of all hostages. Israel’s actions this weekend to increase humanitarian deliveries in Gaza are a welcome step but must be sustained. American leadership must remain committed to peace, security, and the protection of innocent life—no matter where it’s threatened.“
  • Kelly (D-AZ) 7/30/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Kids are starving to death, and Trump’s funding cuts are only making it worse. I’ve been speaking with @WFPChief Cindy McCain about just how dire the crisis is on the ground in places like DRC, Uganda, Haiti, Sudan, and Gaza. Instability abroad also makes Americans less safe.“
  • McClintock (R-CA) 7/29/25: X-post – “The suffering in Gaza can be ended instantly with the unconditional surrender of Hamas. Gaza elected Hamas in 2006 and has since tolerated its crimes. It sowed the wind on October 7 and now reaps the whirlwind. The best way to aid the people of Gaza is to eradicate Hamas NOW.“
  • Moran (R-KS) 7/29/25:X-post – “I agree with Pres. Trump — food aid must reach those in Gaza who need it, & Hamas must release the 20 hostages still held captive. U.S. programs like Food for Peace must be used efficiently & our allies should play a greater role in feeding those in need.“
  • Levin (D-CA) 7/29/25: “I am deeply concerned by reports of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Extreme shortages of food and medicine facing innocent civilians demand that Israel — in coordination with international aid organizations, regional partners, and the United States — continue to increase the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza without disruptions. I welcome Israel’s recent commitment to expand secure supply corridors, aid drops, and daily humanitarian pauses. Israel and humanitarian organizations must now work together to improve delivery mechanisms and routes that ensure all aid is safely and swiftly disbursed to civilians, and not diverted to Hamas. Last week, Hamas refused a ceasefire deal that would have stopped the fighting, released hostages, and surged humanitarian aid. Once again, Hamas’s bad faith negotiations show they care more about their grip on power than the wellbeing or self-determination of Palestinians. Hamas started the war. Hamas can end it but they continue to refuse to do so.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/29/25: “Since October 7, when Hamas terrorists brutally kidnapped, raped, and murdered 1,200 people, including dozens of Americans, I have been consistent in my calls for the immediate release of every hostage and the end to Hamas’ reign of terror. Without this, Israel’s security cannot be ensured. I’ve been clear since day one: humanitarian aid must reach Palestinian civilians who need it most — not Hamas terrorists who seize it. That’s why I welcomed Israel’s recent announcement to expand aid drops, open more humanitarian corridors, and make food more widely available to civilians in Gaza. These steps show Israel is committed to minimizing civilian suffering, even as it defends itself from a terrorist enemy that hides behind civilians. Israel should continue and expand these efforts with the support of the international community. But let’s be clear: the blood of this war, and the humanitarian crisis in the region, is on Hamas’ hands. Hamas has never shown an ounce of concern for innocent Palestinian families and children, who have been repeatedly used as human shields. As they have done for years — and as tunnel after tunnel proves — Hamas has systematically stolen food and supplies from innocent Palestinian families and children to fuel their terror operations. Just last week, Hamas walked away from talks with Israel. They also launched a rocket at an aid distribution site in southern Gaza, where food packages were being handed out to civilians in need. Hamas doesn’t want peace — they want power, headlines, and chaos. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that they are a terrorist organization with ties to Iran, the parent company of terror in the Middle East. Although getting additional aid into the region is a positive step, the responsibility is not Israel’s alone. More must be done. While Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE have conducted humanitarian airdrops, there is now an opportunity for all Arab states to step up and immediately surge their humanitarian support, not just levy criticism, as most have done. Egypt and Qatar must also use every tool at their disposal to pressure Hamas to return to the negotiating table. Moreover, while our European partners, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, have announced their intent to provide some humanitarian aid to Gaza, they must significantly and consistently increase their contributions. This is especially true for President Macron, who has repeatedly criticized Israel, even going so far as to announce plans to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. This performative gesture is a one-sided move that only rewards Hamas’ terrorism, undermines prospects for a two-state solution, and fails to do anything to ease suffering on the ground. Instead of putting out vacuous, uninformed statements to the press, Macron should focus on real action, starting with delivering significantly more aid to Gaza. Other world leaders should do the same. It’s time for them to step up to the plate. Together, we must bring home every hostage, end the suffering of innocent civilians, and work toward a future in Gaza without Hamas — for the safety of both Palestinians and Israelis.”
  • Peters (D-CA) 7/29/25: “It is long past time to end the Gaza conflict, with the return of all hostages and the end of military operations. But an active war zone is no excuse for not doing everything possible to prevent the unnecessary suffering confronting Palestinians who are caught in the crossfire between Israel and Hamas. This week’s announcement of multiple air drops and aid convoys, humanitarian pauses in fighting, and the designation of secure routes for the wider dissemination of assistance provides renewed hope. But hundreds of truckloads of aid are currently sitting at the Gaza border waiting to be distributed. This is unacceptable. There must be immediate action to deliver the desperately needed humanitarian aid to the starving. Now is the time for the Israeli government, the United Nations, the Trump Administration, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and all who have the responsibility and ability, together to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians in Gaza. And Hamas must not interfere with or weaponize the delivery of this aid. There is no justification for delay.”
  • Landsman (D-OH) 7/29/25: X-thread w/ video clips – “The situation in Gaza is bad and the humanitarian crisis must end. Five really important things to know that I believe will help end this crisis. 1. It’s a very good thing that the Netanyahu government is surging aid — something I’ve personally pushed the Prime Minister on many times. They set up new distribution centers (to go around Hamas) and, while it’s worked to some extent, it’s not enough. So, Saturday’s decision to send even more aid in was the right one — and a strengthened partnership with the World Food Programme should help significantly. The daily, ten-hour humanitarian aid pauses with the establishment of humanitarian corridors were also the right move — and it should make a difference. 2. Hamas is core to the problem. Not only did they commit the most barbaric terror attack ever, and built hundreds of miles of tunnels under hospitals and schools to protect themselves at the expense of Palestinian women and children. They steal food. Hamas has diverted a staggering number of aid trucks to fund their war — aid that was supposed to go to Palestinians. Please call out Hamas — every day until they give Gaza back to the Palestinians. They care about what happens on social media. If they believe they are losing support, they are less likely to reject a ceasefire deal (as they continue to do now). 3. The UN and UNRWA have serious issues to address. They refuse to distribute hundreds of trucks of food; food sitting inside Gaza. They won’t accept help from Israel because they don’t want to be seen as biased. Israel has offered them protection but they don’t want to work with IDF soldiers. Please put pressure on the UN, too. Tell them to work with Israel to distribute aid and to reform its work in Gaza. They need to be both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli. They need to put Gaza first. 4. Qatar is a huge barrier. They fund Hamas and continue to provide a safe haven for Hamas leaders. I sent a letter to Qatari officials this week, informing them we will not send staff on their upcoming trip. They need to put maximum pressure on Hamas to release the hostages so this awful war can end. Qatar should take into custody every Hamas leader in Qatar until every hostage is released and the war is over. AND they should join Israel and others in delivering aid — to the Palestinian people. 5. Iran Put pressure on Iran to dismantle its terror armies — Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. The humanitarian crisis and war in Gaza has to end. Put pressure on Netanyahu to do more, but don’t stop there. Call out Hamas, put pressure on the UN and UNRWA, demand Qatar use every means possible to end Hamas’ terror in Gaza, and do the same with Iran. We should all be pushing to surge aid, get the hostages home, end the war, and support a coalition of nations working with Israel and the Palestinians to rebuild Gaza. The dynamic of our collective, international voices must shift. The Israeli government can and must do more, but the free pass that too many have given to Hamas, the UN and UNRWA, Qatar and Iran must end. This is the best way out of this terrible nightmare.“
  • Risch (R-ID) 7/29/25: X-post – “The horrific hunger crisis in Gaza is the fault of Hamas–they continue to make life miserable for the people living there by taking their food and using civilians as human shields. The President and the world would like to see things done differently, and these food centers could help.“
  • Petterson (D-CO) 7/29/25: X-post – “My heart is broken reading the news about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. I have continued to call on President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu to prioritize food and medical aid to the Palestinians urgently. While I’m relieved to see some steps being taken, the US, Israel, the UN, and our allies must do everything in their power to surge food, water, and medical aid immediately. Like so many, I am desperate for an end to this war and recognize a resolution must involve a return of all hostages and an end of Hamas rule in Gaza, the end of Israel’s military operations, and a plan to rebuild Gaza. While these negotiations continue, we cannot allow these dire conditions to threaten the lives of Palestinian families.“
  • Marshall (R-KS) 7/29/25: X-post – “America is a Christian nation, and we should never squelch compassion. Everyone, regardless of politics, should support President @realDonaldTrump in his desire to immediately supply food to starving children and women in Gaza.”
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 7/29/25: X-post – “The suffering in Gaza is crushing and real—we’ve all seen the same images. Many people blame Israel, but Hamas is responsible for this hell on earth and they could end this today for peace in the region. Where’s the global outrage for Hamas to disarm and send the hostages home?“
  • Lee (D-NV) 7/28/25: X-post – “I have been a staunch supporter of Israel since the barbaric invasion and hostage taking by Hamas on October 7, 2023. I have also staunchly supported the provision of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. The starvation of innocent children is unbearable to watch. In addition to providing aid to Israel, the U.S. must be resolute in ensuring that food and medical supplies gets to people in need. We must continue to press to bring parties back to the table to negotiate a cease fire and, in the meantime, aid must be allowed into Gaza. We have the means, we must also have the will.“
  • Fletcher (D-TX) 7/28/25: X-post – “What we are witnessing in Gaza is an urgent humanitarian crisis. As a co-sponsor of H.Res. 473 calling for delivery and disbursement of aid to civilians, I support immediate, sustained humanitarian aid into Gaza and urge Israel to take action to prevent widespread starvation.“
  • Quigley (D-IL) 7/28/25: X-post – “The Israeli government is finally allowing limited aid to enter #Gaza after months of restrictions, but it is not enough. Palestinians in Gaza continue to die of starvation, and more than 1,000 civilians have been killed since May while seeking aid.   The international community must come together to end this humanitarian crisis.”
  • Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) 7/28/25: “Since Hamas’ horrific terrorist attacks on October 7th, I’ve remained steadfast in my commitment to securing the safe return of all Israeli hostages and ending Hamas’ cruel and oppressive control in Gaza — for the safety and future of both Israelis and Palestinians. At the same time, I have been deeply disappointed by the Netanyahu government’s continued failure to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the Palestinian civilians who are in desperate need. The scale of starvation and suffering in Gaza is overwhelming. The current approach isn’t working. We need proven delivery methods that reach civilians and prevent diversion by Hamas. This weekend’s announcement that Israel would allow airdrops and open humanitarian corridors — alongside Arab partners — is long overdue. It is a necessary step, but much more must be done. I also urge Egypt, Qatar, and other Arab nations to pressure Hamas to return to the negotiating table and accept the deal it recently rejected. Hostages must be returned, the humanitarian crisis must be addressed with urgency, and the war must come to an end.”
  • Kaptur (D-OH) 7/28/25: X-post – “While lasting peace and end to the conflict in Gaza must involve a return of hostages and end of Israeli military action, the need to get aid to starving people is urgent and must be swift. If action isn’t taken more innocent people will starve and die. Our nation and our world must act.“
  • Schneider (D-IL) 7/28/25: “I’m glad Israel is expanding its approach and opening new humanitarian corridors, conducting airdrops, and taking other crucial steps to ensure needed food makes it to civilians in Gaza. It’s equally important that the United Nations and affiliated organizations do their part, working together with Israel to ensure aid is delivered to those who need it as swiftly and efficiently as possible, while also minimizing diversion of aid by Hamas.  This war began because Iran-backed Hamas murdered 1200 people and took hundreds of hostages on October 7, 2023. This would be over tomorrow if Hamas released the remaining hostages and laid down its arms. Israel beat Hezbollah and Iran and must defeat Hamas too.”
  • Pelosi (D-CA) 7/27/25: X-post – “The humanitarian crisis and mass starvation in Gaza—particularly affecting children and infants—is a catastrophic moral emergency. The United States must urgently press for an immediate and sustained ceasefire which ensures safe delivery of life-saving assistance to Palestinians and secures the return of all hostages.”
  • Meeks (D-NY)/House Foreign Affairs Committee (Dems) 7/27/25: X-post – “RM @RepGregoryMeeks: While initial improvements to the humanitarian response in Gaza are welcome, walking away from ceasefire talks is the wrong move. Witkoff should be pressing all parties to continue diplomacy to bring the hostages home, deliver urgent aid to Gaza, and end this war. Instead, he offers no realistic alternatives to negotiations.“
  • Menendez (D-NJ) 7/27/25: X-post – “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is both incredibly dire and devastating. The situation needs to be resolved and urgent action taken to prevent mass starvation. To do so, Israel must work with the U.S. and international partners to ensure aid is able to enter Gaza and quickly reach those most in need. I’ve been advocating for increased humanitarian aid for Gaza since the beginning of this conflict, and it’s imperative that there are no delays and no excuses. We must also recognize that Hamas’s decision to continue holding hostages in Gaza since October 7th continues to be a barrier to the conflict ending and the beginning of working towards a future that ensures a durable peace in which collective suffering of so many is never experienced again. That is an obligation we owe to all Israelis and Palestinians. That process must start with a negotiated, short term ceasefire and eventually, a long term, two-state solution. Only then can both people live in peace, security and dignity.”
  • Cisneros (D-CA) 7/27/25: X-post – “Nobody deserves to go hungry. The humanitarian corridors are a necessary step to ensure food and aid can reach civilians. Hamas is the enemy, not the Palestinian people.“
  • Bell (D-MO) 7/27/25: X-post – “I am encouraged to see Israel expanding humanitarian access to help civilians in Gaza. The UN and other international agencies must ensure that humanitarian aid in their possession on the Gaza side of the border is getting to those in need without delay. We must also continue to demand that Hamas release the hostages who have been brutally held for more than 660 days. This would end tomorrow if Hamas released them and laid down their arms. The international community should be outraged that the hostages continue to endure this unspeakable horror.”
  • Sorensen (D-IL) 7/27/25: X-post – “Millions of innocent people are starving in Gaza. If we don’t do anything soon, thousands will die. We desperately need to bring home the hostages while allowing enough food, water, and medical supplies into Gaza to help those who have nothing to do with this war. Hamas must be defeated, but now is the time to urgently negotiate a lasting peace.”
  • Friedman (D-CA) 7/27/25: X-post – “Today’s announcement by Israel to open humanitarian corridors and implement daily pauses in military activity is a necessary step and should have come much sooner. The U.S. and President Trump must do more to ensure that aid flows freely, hostages are released, and the ceasefire is restored. Too many civilians are suffering, and far too many children are going without food, water, and medical care. Aid must reach those in need without delay.“
  • DeLuzio (D-PA) 7/27/25: X-post – “The starvation of so many in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis. Malnourished kids are dying and many of the doctors and medical workers are too hungry and under-supplied to help. Aid must be surged in now.“
  • Espaillat (D-NY) 7/26/25; X-post – “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the surrounding region has reached a critical juncture as families and children starve daily. It is heartbreaking and deeply troubling to watch the region fall deeper into despair, and I urge an immediate global response and intervention to provide relief and aid for those affected.“
  • McClellan (D-VA) 7/26/25: “Every day, death and mass starvation take a greater toll on the people of Gaza. They face a humanitarian crisis that has cost thousands of lives and prolongs suffering in the region. This crisis is reaching an inflection point and deserves swift, immediate and continued action to avoid further loss of life and worsening conditions.  Following the Biden-Harris Administration’s success in reaching a ceasefire agreement, the Trump Administration has utterly failed to meet this critical moment and secure a similar deal between Israel and Hamas. By walking away from negotiations and shifting focus to unnamed ‘alternative options,’ this Administration has abandoned a leadership role in facilitating a lasting peace to the region. I urge the Trump Administration to use every tool at its disposal to reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that releases the hostages, delivers desperately needed aid into Gaza, and develops a two-state solution that will allow both parties to coexist with dignity and self-determination. I have joined my colleagues in the House to urge the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and will continue to advocate for further relief to innocent civilians.”
  • Lofgren (D-CA) 7/26/25: “I am deeply alarmed by the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where widespread starvation and malnutrition are threatening the lives of over a million people, many of them children. International humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations and World Food Programme, have sounded urgent warnings that famine is imminent unless immediate, unrestricted aid is delivered. Food should never be a weapon. Civilians, especially children, must never be the casualties of geopolitical conflict. The Netanyahu government, who controls entry into Gaza, has the responsibility to prevent famine there. The United States has a responsibility to use its influence to push for immediate action. We must ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. And, as I have stated before, we must work towards a long-term, two-state solution that provides both security and recognition between Israel and Palestine. Anything less is unacceptable.“
  • Bennett (D-CO) 7/26/25: X-post – “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is abhorrent and worsening daily. People are starving and dying, especially children.  President Trump must demand that Israel enable a large-scale expansion of assistance throughout Gaza immediately.”
  • Booker (D-NJ) 7/26/25: X-post – “Witnessing the catastrophic hunger and suffering of civilians, especially children, women, the sick and elderly, in Gaza has been heartbreaking. The crisis in Gaza must be met with an immediate and drastic surge in life-saving resources, such as desperately needed food, water, and medicine–including therapeutic foods for those suffering from severe malnutrition. It is our collective moral duty to ensure that humanitarian relief reaches those who need it most urgently. The strategy of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has not worked. Proven methods to get humanitarian aid to those in need while preventing diversion to Hamas must be used to flood the zone now. Every moment of delay will cost lives and cause irreparable harm to the health of children, pregnant women, and other civilians. We must do all we can to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as part of the strategy to save lives, decrease Hamas’s influence and capabilities, release all remaining hostages, strengthen Israel’s security, and ultimately end this war. These goals are not mutually exclusive, rather they go hand-in-hand.”
  • Goldman (D-NY) 7/25/25: X-post – “Gaza is on the brink of mass starvation. Israel, the U.S. and the international community must collaborate to ensure a massive surge of humanitarian relief immediately. This war must end. And let’s be clear: Hamas could end it today if they wanted to. Israel has agreed to a ceasefire proposal, Hamas has rejected it. Release the hostages and end this travesty.“
  • Auchincloss (D-MA) 7/25/25: X-post – “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is unconscionable. Children are starving. Hamas has the singular power to end this catastrophe. Instead, it rejected the latest ceasefire offer from Israel. Hamas would rather hold onto hostages than feed the children of Gaza.”
  • Larson (D-CT) 7/25/25: X-post – “Lifesaving aid must resume immediately to civilians in Gaza. Food deliveries remain far below what the population needs and 95% of households continue to face water shortages. The U.S. and Israel must do everything they can to ensure the free flow of aid – not stand in the way.”
  • Smith (D-WA) 7/25/25: X-post – “Israel must take immediate action and work with all possible humanitarian aid organizations to rush critically needed food and other supplies to the people in Gaza. The level of the crisis there demands emergency action. Israel’s new arrangement on delivering aid simply is not working. Israel must take all possible steps to facilitate a surge of aid into Gaza. Additionally, the United Nations and other international aid organizations must work with Israel to resolve their differences and work together so all parties can maximize the capacity of humanitarian efforts. It is unconscionable that Hamas continues to block a negotiated ceasefire, refusing both to surrender their illegitimate power in Gaza and to release the hostages that should never have been taken in the first place. It is also unconscionable that Hamas siphons off critically needed food and supplies intended for the people of Gaza and uses it instead to prop up their terrorist organization, while at the same time fighting their war against Israel by embedding themselves into the civilian population. But given all of this, right now it falls to Israel to take the steps necessary to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe facing the civilian population in Gaza. I urge President Trump and his administration to work with Israel to implement a ceasefire and dramatically increase the flow of aid into Gaza. I believe we can both continue to support Israel in their effort to defend themselves against Hamas, Iran and others in the region who continue in their efforts to attack and destroy Israel, and work immediately to relieve the suffering of the people in Gaza.”
  • Crow (D-CO) 7/25/25: X-post – “The widespread suffering in Gaza is unbearable. Children starving to death and near famine. The aid distribution process is failing.  The U.S. and Israel must work with independent aid groups to surge food immediately and drastically change approach.  Hamas must accept the ceasefire proposal and release the remaining hostages. This must end.“
  • Scanlon (D-PA) 7/26/25: X-post – “The images of starving children in Gaza are heart-wrenching. It is unconscionable that children and families are being starved to death while humanitarian aid is blocked. The United States and Israel must do everything in their power to allow aid to enter and be delivered to those in need in Gaza.
  • Jeffries (D-NY) 7/25/25: X-post – “During the first six months of Donald Trump’s time in office, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a breaking point, hostages are still being held by Hamas despite the President’s promise they would be released and the pre-existing ceasefire the administration inherited has been breached. The starvation and death of Palestinian children and civilians in an ongoing war zone is unacceptable. The Trump administration has the ability to bring an end to this humanitarian crisis. They must act now. It is imperative that humanitarian aid be surged into Gaza immediately, the remaining Israeli hostages be released and the ceasefire negotiated by the Biden administration restored. We need a just and lasting peace. Ultimately, that will only occur through a two-state solution that facilitates a safe and secure Israel living side by side with a Palestinian state that provides dignity, self-determination and prosperity for its people.“

Not bothering to even pretend to be concerned about Palestinians in Gaza being subjected by Israel to humanitarian catastrophe

  • Daines (R-MT) 7/31/25: “100% 100% 100% Daines: ‘The problem is not Israel. It is Hamas’’; touts Trump’s ‘moral clarity’ on Gaza war” Linked to Times-Leader article, Daines: ‘The problem is not Israel. It is Hamas’’; touts Trump’s ‘moral clarity’ on Gaza war
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/31/25: X-post – “I’m glad the Arab League has recognized what we’ve long known: Hamas is a brutal terrorist organization that cannot be allowed to remain in power in Gaza. It’s time to bring the hostages home and end Hamas’ reign of terror.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 7/31/25: X-post – “I find it odd that Arab leaders are calling for Hamas to disarm and accept safe passage out of Gaza while European leaders are threatening to recognize a Palestinian state if Israel doesn’t accept a ceasefire. To our friends in Europe, you’re enticing Hamas to stay in the fight. Stop it.” Responding to Trump’s Truth Social post 7/31/25 – “The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!” 
  • Scott (R-FL) 7/31/25: X-post – “Thank you, @POTUS! Iran-backed Hamas attacked Israel and started this war. That is a fact. For 664 days, Hamas terrorists have held innocent people hostage in Gaza under the cruelest conditions. This isn’t over until we BRING EVERY HOSTAGE HOME and Hamas is destroyed.“
  • Senate GOP 7/31/25: X-post – “President Trump is correct. The only thing standing in the way of peace is Hamas, which started this war and still refuses to surrender or release the remaining hostages.” Responding to Trump’s Truth Social post 7/31/25 – “The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!” 
  • Kennedy (R-LA) 7/31/25: X-post – “.@POTUS is right. Hamas has had every opportunity to free the innocent people still held captive in Gaza. But they won’t, because they’re not interested or serious about peace.” Responding to Trump’s Truth Social post 7/31/25 – “The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!“
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 7/31/25: X-post – “@POTUS is absolutely right. The fastest and only path to ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is for Hamas to surrender and release all the hostages — NOW!  Responding to Trump’s Truth Social post 7/31/25 – “The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!“
  • Daines (R-MT) 7/31/25: X-post – “Canada, the UK, and France should be calling for the release of innocent hostages held captive in Gaza rather than appeasing & rewarding Hamas for their atrocities. America stands firmly with Israel.“
  • LaLota (R-NY) 7/31/25: X-post – “The U.S. must keep up pressure on Iran until they stop funding terror groups like Hamas and all hostages are freed. Anything less is unacceptable.”
  • Cornyn (R-TX) 7/31/25: X-post – “Gaza Starvation Photos Tell a Thousand Lies by <@EFischberger” Linked to Wall Street Journal op-ed – Gaza Starvation Photos Tell a Thousand Lies
  • Scott (R-FL) 7/30/25: X-post – “For 663 days, Hamas terrorists have kept innocent civilians hostage and needlessly tortured them all while they steal aid from those who need it the most. Hamas cannot be rewarded for its evils. Now more than ever, we must stand with the hostages and our ally, Israel.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 7/30/25: X-post – “The decision by a number of Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, to insist Hamas lay down their arms and give up political and military control of Gaza is a giant step forward. There is no peace with Hamas in charge.“
  • Cotton (R-AR) 7/29/25: X-post – “Israel has no responsibility to provide any kind of aid into Gaza. They are repeatedly held to a different standard than the rest of the world.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 7/29/25: X-post – “If Hamas lays down their weapons and their leaders take safe passage out of Gaza, then the possibility of a ceasefire and a new beginning for the West Bank and Gaza exists.    Anything short of Hamas disarming and leaving would be unacceptable.“
  • Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 7/28/25: X-post – “President Trump has made it solidly clear that the United States stands firmly with Israel and against Hamas terrorists. The UN must abandon its obsessive anti-Israel bias and return to its original mission. That’s why my National Security and Department of State funding bill defunds the UN and UNRWA. Not one dollar of the U.S. taxpayer money should go to organizations that have lost all credibility and now serve as platforms for terrorist propaganda. We must continue to stand with Israel and against terror groups such as Hamas.“
  • Bacon (R-NE) 7/27/25: X-post – “Until Hamas surrenders the hostages or is defeated, there will be a crisis in Gaza.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 7/27/25: X-post – “Hamas terrorists are evil. They have spent 660 days holding people like this innocent young man, who had his whole life ahead of him, hostage. And as the hostages and people of Gaza starve, Hamas steals their aid to control the people. The United States won’t give up. We must bring every hostage home, and Hamas must be destroyed!“
  • Graham (R-SC) 7/27/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Hamas stands in the way of peace. The hostages must come home.“
  • Risch (R-ID) 7/25/25: X-post – “Hamas must either release hostages, including the remains of Americans Itay Chen and Omer Neutra, or Qatar should immediately eject Hamas from Doha. Hamas is a liability that is not worth the reputational risk of harboring terrorists.”
  • Fine (R-NJ) 7/25/25: X-post – “You don’t get to start a genocidal war — raping and killing as many men, women, and children as you can — and then whine and complain when you start losing. If you don’t like the consequences of your decisions, there is one simple solution. Unconditional surrender.“

Concern for Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza & actually mentioning Israel responsibility (to varying degrees)

  • Stansbury (D-NM) 7/31/25: X-post w/ video clip [watch the whole thing!] – “Today, we turn to Gaza. And, the unspeakable atrocities — including mass starvation, killing of families and children, intentional withholding of humanitarian aid, and open threats of annexation—which are not only a blatant violation of international law and human rights — but a shock to the moral conscience. The United States has a fundamental moral responsibility to stand against and stop enabling Netanyahu and his allies in committing these atrocities. The U.S. must act now.“
  • Sanders (I-VT) 7/31/25: X-post – “Tony Aguilar is a retired Special Forces Green Beret who won a Purple Heart for his service to this country. He took a contract helping to distribute aid in Gaza. There, he witnessed atrocities committed using American taxpayer dollars. Please watch this important video.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 7/31/25: X-post – “Benjamin Netanyahu said ‘there is no starvation in Gaza.’ He is lying. Children are dying of malnutrition and people are being killed by the IDF as they wait for food. Feed Gaza now.“
  • Doggett (D-TX) 7/31/25: X-post – “Just one child killed is unspeakable—nearly 20,000 is inexplicable. Gaza’s children should never have been forced to pay the price for Hamas’s and Netanyahu’s obsession with power. To end the burial of those who have not even taken their first step, ending the war NOW must be the next step.” Linked to Washington Post article – 60,000 Gazans have been killed. 18,500 were children. These are their names.
  • Welch (D-VT) 7/30/25: X-post w/ video clip – “The mass starvation in Gaza is caused by weapons provided by America and paid for by U.S. taxpayers.” Also see: full text of floor statement
  • Vasquez (D-NM) 7/30/25: “The intentional starvation of innocent children in Gaza is undeniable and abhorrent. It is unacceptable that Prime Minister Netanyahu openly denies the effect of his own cruel actions in a way that clearly flies in the face of what millions around the world have seen with their own eyes. This stark violation of human rights calls on us to do everything we can to protect the lives of these innocent children. The administration must use every diplomatic tool possible to put an end to this atrocity and immediately pause all military assistance until a ceasefire is reached. Additionally, sanctions must be placed on Israeli officials who have ordered or condoned the killing of innocent civilians. The United States must hold those who have contributed to the killing of innocent people — including children — accountable, and President Trump must use his power to bring an end to this conflict and humanitarian crisis.“
  • Warren (D-MA) 7/30/25: X-post – “Donald Trump promised peace in Gaza, but he’s abandoned ceasefire talks while babies starve. If Trump is too weak to act, then Congress must step up. No more U.S. military support for Netanyahu to wage war in Gaza.”
  • Warren (D-MA) 7/30/25: X-post – “Netanyahu’s government has created an epic disaster in Gaza. 6,000 food trucks are lined up at the border, children are starving, and still Netanyahu blocks help. History will remember this moment.“
  • Schatz (D-HI) 7/30/25: Floor statement on Gaza, including – “What started as a war with a just cause–to go after Hamas for the unspeakable atrocities it committed on October 7 and bring home the hostages–quickly turned unjust and immoral.  Now, everybody knows how complicated and fraught the Middle East is. Everyone knows that navigating this generations-long conflict requires nuance and depth and a historical understanding in order to try to get it right. Everyone knows that smart and sincere and decent people can disagree on this issue. But what is happening today is entirely different. There is no excuse for this horrific suffering. It is not making Israel or Israelis or Jews any safer, nor is it helping to bring home the 50 remaining hostages who have been in brutal captivity for almost 2 years. The fact that this catastrophe was preventable is precisely what makes it so indefensible. People have been warning for months that the Israeli Government’s actions would result in exactly this kind of tragedy, where children are dying by the dozens and hundreds of thousands of people have been starving for days…”
  • Garamendi (D-CA) 7/30/25: X-post – “The Israeli government must act immediately to stop the man-made famine unfolding in Gaza. This disaster is preventable and unconscionable. I call on the Trump Administration to use every available lever to push Netanyahu to act now to save lives.“
  • Merkley (D-OR) 7/30/25: X-post – “The words ‘killed before first birthday’ appear more than 900 times in this list. Children killed playing or sleeping. Children who should have grown up. Israel is starving and bombing Gaza. And the U.S. is complicit because we’re sending those bombs and not demanding more aid.” Linked to Washington Post article – 60,000 Gazans have been killed. 18,500 were children. These are their names.
  • DeLauro (D-CT) 7/30/25: “More than 100 aid agencies and rights groups, including Mercy Corps, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, and Oxfam, have warned about mass starvation currently taking place in Gaza. The last remaining pediatric ward treating child hunger in Gaza closed this last month, unable to find enough food and medical supplies. And the new, chaotic aid distribution system designed by Israel’s government and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has resulted in the Israeli armed forces shooting hundreds of Palestinians seeking food, just over the past few weeks. As a result of the Israeli military’s continued attacks on Gaza, and the near-total blockade of food, fuel, medicine, and other humanitarian supplies that Israel has imposed since March 2, the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 60,000 people, and even that is likely a significant undercount.  The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is a private, unaccountable organization, employing armed mercenaries and operating in direct opposition to norms and principles of international law around humanitarian aid distribution that have been in place since the ratification of the Geneva Conventions in 1949. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has received $30 million from the State Department, and has been exempted from a comprehensive audit usually required for first-time grant recipients working in Gaza. Contractors with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation have been documented using pepper spray, stun grenades, and live ammunition at nearly every aid distribution, and civilians have reported being fired at by tanks, drones, and helicopters in addition to soldiers on the ground. So far, over 700 starving people have been killed and nearly 5,000 injured while seeking food at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites. I have been calling for additional humanitarian aid surges into Gaza, and a stable ceasefire to enable negotiations and the return of hostages for over a year and half. On October 31 of 2023, less than a month after the October 7 attacks, I first called for a humanitarian pause to enable delivery of aid, and I have visited Israel multiple times since then to speak directly to Israeli government officials about the necessity of humanitarian aid delivery. I have condemned Israel’s efforts to defund and undermine UNWRA, the primary relief agency assisting Palestinians, and I fought to ensure that more than $9 billion for global humanitarian needs, including Gaza, was included in the national security supplemental spending bill passed in April of 2024.  The recent steps Israel has taken to allow a marginal amount of additional aid, through convoys and air drops, are a start, but they are nowhere near enough. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert wrote that the Israeli government is committing war crimes. Prime Minister Netanyahu has claimed that there is no starvation in Gaza. That is wrong.  Netanyahu cannot distort what the entire world sees clearly. He must let the aid flow.”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 7/30/25: X-post – “From the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to airdrops, recent efforts to get aid into Gaza have been wholly ineffective and insufficient. The United States cannot be complicit in starving Gaza. We must stop supplying the Israeli government with offensive weapons.”
  • Welch (D-VT) 7/30/25: X-post w/ video clip – “The mass starvation in Gaza is caused by weapons provided by America and paid for by U.S. taxpayers.“
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 7/30/25: X-post – “I have a bill that will help end Congress’s complicity in the genocide happening in Gaza. ANYONE who is calling for food to get into Gaza, that the bombing stops, and that lives are saved should cosponsor my Block the Bombs Act. No more excuses.“
  • Smith (D-MN) 7/30/25: X-post – “The laws of war don’t just apply when it’s convenient.   Hamas is a brutal terrorist organization. But Netanyahu doesn’t get a pass. He is responsible for the pervasive starvation and famine, which is morally repugnant.   Feed Gaza.“
  • Casar (D-TX) 7/29/25: X-post – “Tens of thousands of babies could starve to death because the Israeli government is blocking baby formula from Gaza. Airdrops and a few aid trucks aren’t enough. The US must apply all necessary pressure on Israel to end this now and surge aid in. It’s not too late to save millions of lives.“
  • Smith (D-MN) 7/29/25: X-post – “If Trump were actually the strong-man he pretends to be, he’d tell Netanyahu to allow the food to flow, so innocent Palestinian children don’t die of starvation. Talking about how sad this is in between rounds at his golf course in Scotland is weak beyond words.   Feed Gaza.“
  • Welch (D-VT) 7/29/25: X-post – “More than 60,000 Palestinians have now died in the Gaza war. The U.S. is still funding offensive weapons used to kill civilians. History will judge us for our complicity in this humanitarian catastrophe.”
  • Welch (D-VT) 7/29/25: X-post with video clip – “I’m on the Senate floor calling for Congress to take action on the mass starvation in Gaza.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 7/29/25: X-post w/ video clip – “As starvation worsens by the day in Gaza, the Netanyahu govt has been using food as a weapon of war — with complicity from Trump & U.S. taxpayer dollars. This is painful to listen to but here’s what a U.S. Army veteran & Green Beret who witnessed it first-hand recounted to me:“
  • Clarke (D-NY) 7/29/25: “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza stands at an unbearable breaking point. Over nearly two long years of war, its people have faced the full weight of a brutal retaliation against Hamas’ crime on October 7th. Tens of thousands of children, women, and men have lost their lives to this horrific conflict, and I am severely pained and distressed to see this already dire situation deteriorate even further. Let me be clear: the continuation of famine in Gaza is a moral catastrophe that America cannot and must not abide by. It is crucial that Israel takes every possible action to ensure food, water, and medicine flow into the Strip at once, and I urge the Trump Administration to use its immense influence to see that Israel does so. There can be no alternative. An overwhelming amount of aid must reach the people of Gaza, and it must reach them now. With every passing hour bringing us closer to the unthinkable, any further delay is totally unacceptable. While the horrors committed against the victims and hostages of October 7th are neither forgivable nor justifiable, their families, their communities, and their country will find no justice in the ruins of Gaza. This thirst for violence and vengeance must not continue. Israel has relentlessly proven its power since that tragic day two years ago, and its control over Gaza has remained absolute ever since. So, I am frankly not interested in excuses as to why starved children cannot have the food or medicine required to save their lives. I am not interested in accusations of fault behind why aid has not already been delivered. Two terrible years of war have made the well-being of the Palestinian people Israel’s responsibility, and only Israel can pull them back from this devastation. All the world can see that any efforts to do so thus far are wholly and unequivocally insufficient. For the sake of human decency and securing any chance at a stable and lasting peace in the region, freeing the hostages and feeding Gaza must be parallel priorities for the Israeli government. Without an immediate change, the two-state solution that I and millions of others have long advocated for will be permanently put out of reach by this ceaseless cycle of destruction. Ending it begins with ending the pain in Gaza.”
  • King (I-ME) 7/28/25: “I cannot defend the indefensible. Israel’s actions in the conduct of the war in Gaza, especially its failure to address the unimaginable humanitarian crisis now unfolding, is an affront to human decency. What appears to be a deliberately-induced famine among a civilian population—including tens of thousands of starving children—can never be an acceptable military strategy. While clearly justified in responding to the horrific attack by Hamas on innocent Israeli citizens, that tragic event cannot in turn justify the enormous toll on Palestinian civilians caused by Israel’s relentless bombing campaign and its indifference to the current plight of those trapped in what’s left of Gaza. I in no way accept or condone the actions of Hamas, but recent events have placed a moral burden on Israel to ameliorate the current crisis, a burden it has thus far totally failed to meet.  For these reasons, I am through supporting the actions of the current Israeli government and will advocate—and vote—for an end to any United States support whatsoever until there is a demonstrable change in the direction of Israeli policy. My litmus test will be simple: no aid of any kind as long as there are starving children in Gaza due to the action or inaction of the Israeli government.”
  • Castro (D-TX) 7/28/25: “The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza is unconscionable. Millions of Palestinians are trapped under siege conditions—with food, clean water, and medical supplies deliberately restricted. Israel’s blockade on aid—including fuel and flour—has led to mass starvation and the deaths of hundreds of innocent men, women, and children from hunger and dehydration. The use of forced starvation as a weapon of war is a clear violation of international law, and it must stop immediately. I urge the Israeli government to abandon its failed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and resume coordination with the United Nations and independent humanitarian organizations that have the experience, infrastructure, and legitimacy to safely deliver life-saving aid. The GHF has proven deadly and ineffective, creating dangerous aid bottlenecks and exposing desperate civilians to lethal force. Replacing neutral aid agencies with politically driven alternatives has only deepened this horrific crisis. This war must end. Hamas must release all remaining hostages immediately. At the same time, Israel must commit that once the hostages are freed, the war will end—not continue under new pretexts. The United States must use every point of leverage we have, with both Israel and Hamas, to end this catastrophic war before thousands more civilians die.”
  • Durbin (D-IL) 7/28/25: “Quite simply, the humanitarian conditions in Gaza are appalling, unconscionable, and cruel. Following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s nearly 3-month blockade of humanitarian assistance, three-quarters of the population in Gaza is facing emergency or catastrophic levels of hunger. The tiniest of babies cannot even access formula and risk heartbreaking death…Yes, Hamas started this conflict in a heinous attack on Israel. Yes, Hamas is still unconscionably holding hostages. And yes, Hamas cynically uses civilians as human shields and brutally represses brave Gazans who are protesting for an end to this [Hamas’] despicable rule. But I have repeatedly appealed to Israel… be careful of decisions made in the fog of rage, pain, and loss and recognize there is no solely military solution to defeating a terrorist group.  Let me be clear. Continuing this war with no discernable end is not in Israel’s national security interest, and a lack of a viable plan and the humanitarian fiasco have been glaring mistakes, getting worse by the day.” Also see X-post with video clip.
  • Beyer (D-VA) 7/28/25: X-post – “Netanyahu’s policy in Gaza has created a starvation crisis. Allowing this to occur, and propping up the failed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, has been a terrible failure of American policy as well.   As international pressure mounts, Israel has begun to announce changes that will hopefully allow the World Food Program and other international organizations to safely delivery food to people who desperately need it. The United States must not relent until the threat of starvation in Gaza is extinguished.”
  • Carson (D-IN) 7/28/25: X-post – “Gaza isn’t starving. It’s being starved. The Israeli government has blocked humanitarian aid into Gaza for over 8 months. Over 150 Gazans have been killed by starvation, 82 of those children. On top of that, Israeli strikes are targeting dozens of people seeking the little aid there is at what’s being described as humanitarian death traps. This is a moral crisis. I’m calling for an Israeli arms embargo and a full surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Enough is enough.“
  • Watson Coleman (D-NJ) 7/28/25: X-post – “Over 150 Palestinians have starved to death in Gaza. more than half were children. Netanyahu’s claim that there is “no starvation” is a disgusting lie. The Israeli military is using starvation as a weapon. It is a war crime. Aid must be allowed into Gaza, not as a pretext for shootings at distribution sites, but to feed starving civilians.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 7/28/25: X-post – “‘Minimal’ amounts of aid will not save thousands from starvation and death. The Israeli government must provide a real, long-term solution to get meaningful food and resources into Gaza“
  • Velasquez (D-NY) 7/28/25: X-post – “Despite Netanyahu’s claim ‘there is no starvation,’ horrifying accounts on the ground make it clear: mass starvation has become a defining part of life in Gaza. The US must use all tools to surge aid, secure a permanent ceasefire, & stop this catastrophe.“
  • Nadler (D-NY) 7/28/25: Representative Nadler Delivers Remarks at Jews Cry Out: Let Food into Gaza Rally [excerpt – “In the past days and weeks, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s reign has brought horrific new images to our screens. Scenes of hunger and devastation, famine and drought, displacement and disease, ruin and despair have consumed mainstream media, feeding into our 24-hour news cycle—and all of it presented as if it is breaking news. Like many of us, I have been heartened by the scores of new voices who have spoken out as a result of this renewed focus. But let us be clear: the Gazan civilian pain, suffering, and starvation that we are all witnessing in the press is not new. Many of us have been speaking out and demanding an increase in humanitarian assistance since the beginning of the war almost 22 months ago. Six months after October 7th, I spoke at a rally not far from here in Manhattan. In my remarks I called for more humanitarian aid to Gaza, and some in our Jewish community booed. But many of us here today knew then what the world is seeing now: that additional aid was vital in the effort to prevent the crisis and disaster the world is witnessing today. We also knew then that a prolonged conflict in Gaza was a recipe for a humanitarian disaster. And today we are witnessing the consequences. While Prime Minister Netanyahu deserves tremendous blame for the situation today, unfortunately, there is another authoritarian-aspiring leader who has made matters worse: Donald Trump. The Trump administration’s actions have substantively and significantly exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They have done so by seeking to uproot the admittedly imperfect but nonetheless effective assistance delivery system designed and supervised by the Biden Administration, and implement its own shady and potentially corrupt organization. Trump’s Gaza Humanitarian Fund, or GHF, has been accused of heinous and abhorrent conduct. Earlier this month, two private contractors employed by GHF came forward as whistleblowers to the Associated Press. They detailed the use of live ammunition, stun grenades, and pepper spray regularly fired into crowds of desperate and hungry Palestinians at GHF aid distribution sites, resulting in injuries and deaths…“]
  • Nadler (D-NY) 7/29/25: X-post – “Today, I spoke at the Jews Cry Out: Let Food into Gaza Rally in New York across from the Israeli consulate. We must make it clear to our government and to the Israeli government: bring home the hostages, end the war in Gaza, and surge humanitarian assistance to the starving people of Gaza.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 7/28/25: X-post – “For over a year and a half, the Israeli government has repeatedly used weapons supplied by the U.S. to indiscriminately kill people in Gaza, violating American and international humanitarian laws. Now, they are using hunger as a weapon of war. As Pope Leo said, it is barbaric.“
  • Pocan (D-WI) 7/28/25: X-post – “Half a million people in Gaza are starving. One in three hasn’t eaten in days. Children are dying. @Netanyahu has the ability to stop this and needs to allow more aid to enter and stop shooting people trying to get food.”
  • Garamendi (D-CA) 7/28/25: “It’s impossible to look at the starvation caused by Israel’s dangerous and willful failure to enable humanitarian aid and not see a genocide being committed against the people of Palestine. Gaza has been in a devastating man-made crisis where starvation is widespread among children and adults, where one in three people are going multiple days without eating and many are dying because of malnutrition. This must end. Food is readily and immediately available. Earlier this year, it was found that 60,000 metric tons of U.S. food aid, enough for 3.5 million people, or the entire population of Gaza, was sitting in storage, untouched because of Trump’s dissolution of USAID. We know now from Israeli officials that there is little evidence of Hamas routinely stealing aid, a claim that has been used by the Israelis for not distributing aid. Israel has the ability and the means to deliver adequate food to the Palestinians. They also have the obligation under international law to deliver it; it’s the choice of Prime Minister Netanyahu not to feed Gaza. I have seen starvation like this. In the Peace Corps, I saw firsthand what starvation does to a child. I have repeatedly called for Israel to stop this war and to address the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. I was one of the only members to vote against military support for Israel, demanding that the U.S. cannot supply more weaponry to a country that is using it recklessly against innocent civilians. I have also joined 94 of my colleagues in demanding the Israeli government immediately resume shipments of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. I have also voted to block offensive weapons to Israel because I believe that America has an ethical imperative to ensure that humanitarian aid can promptly reach the population in Gaza. What Israel is doing is a horribly destructive attack on Gaza’s communities, and America should no longer provide destructive bombs and munitions to Israel. I unequivocally renew my call for Israel to immediately provide necessary humanitarian assistance and stop the purposeful starvation of Gaza.”
  • Beyer (D-VA) 7/28/25: X-post – “Netanyahu’s policy in Gaza has created a starvation crisis. Allowing this to occur, and propping up the failed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, has been a terrible failure of American policy as well.   As international pressure mounts, Israel has begun to announce changes that will hopefully allow the World Food Program and other international organizations to safely delivery food to people who desperately need it. The United States must not relent until the threat of starvation in Gaza is extinguished.”
  • Takano (D-CA) 7/27/25: X-post – “The Netanyahu-led government created the conditions for this mass starvation, and now offers a “tactical pause” as if it is a great mercy. This step is necessary, but grotesquely insufficient to end the suffering of civilians or achieve a durable peace in Gaza.”
  • Garcia (D-IL) 7/27/25: X-post – “The horrors of mass starvation in Gaza are a policy choice—one in which the U.S. continues to be complicit as it provides Israel with military weapons and diplomatic cover. The U.S. must join the global movement to end Netanyahu’s war on Gaza, and demand both the entry of humanitarian aid and viable delivery mechanisms to distribute it.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 7/26/25: X-post – “Every day, the horrors in Gaza reach new, unimaginable depths. And as starvation spreads, Netanyahu and Trump remain complicit in a scheme to use US taxpayer dollars to replace humanitarian aid orgs with mercenaries — leading to more death and devastation. This cannot continue.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 7/26/25: X-post – “It’s way too late, but the truth has a way of coming out. Forget the airdrops and scrap GHF — let the UN organizations resume their humanitarian delivery operations NOW to stop the ongoing starvation“
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 7/26/25: X-post – “For Netanyahu and his administration, annexation and control have always been the endgame. From Gaza to the West Bank to El Salvador to the United States, unaccountable leaders use violence, starvation, and death to steal our resources, our lands, our freedoms, and our lives. We have to fight back and challenge the authoritarian, imperialist policies that destroy life. We must end the U.S.’s complicity in the Netanyahu Administration’s regime of terror. Congress must do its oversight job, demand and end to the blockade and pass Block the Bombs.”
  • Doggett (D-TX) 7/25/25: X-post – “These are the children who are paying the price for Netanyahu’s war by starvation in Gaza, just as the families of Israeli hostages are paying the price for his abandonment of their loved ones.“
  • Pressley (D-MA) 7/25/25: X-post – “Newborns denied formula. Children denied food. Entire families murdered with weapons of war. This genocide must end. Israel must end the blockade immediately. We cannot and will not look away.“
  • Schrier (D-WA) 7/25/25: X-post – “The tremendous suffering in Gaza, on top of nearly 2 years of a war that Hamas inflicted on both Gazans and Israelis, must end. That means an immediate surge of humanitarian aid to civilians. Israel and the U.S. must make every attempt to safeguard innocents. Hamas must release every hostage to their loved ones in Israel immediately, so this war can finally come to a conclusion.”
  • Murphy (D-CT) 7/25/25: X-post – “Gaza is descending into famine and Trump is turning his back on this moral crisis. There is no excuse – ever – to deprive civilians of desperately needed food and water. Trump must press Israel to end this blockade.”
  • Barragan (D-CA) 7/26/25: X-post – “This is unacceptable. Children are dying from hunger and doctors are collapsing from malnutrition in Gaza. Israel must allow far more food aid in. Trump Admin must demand that Israel allow the immediate entry of enough life-saving aid to meet this dire need“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 7/26/25: X-post – “First, the Israeli govt established the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to distract from their two month total blockade on aid. Now that the horrors of the GHF are being exposed, their new distraction is ineffective airdrops. This is not a real solution. The starvation must stop.”
  • Courtney (D-CT) 7/26/25: X-post – “The Israeli Government should stop the stonewalling of the U.N. aid delivery system and put U.N. experienced experts back in control to get help into Gaza ASAP, where famine conditions have set in. Their own military assessment verified the U.N. was effective at providing aid.“
  • Khanna (D-CA) 7/25/25: X-post – “I am sick of the tired platitude that for an ally like Israel we must not disagree publicly or in the media. Not when there is mass starvation. This is the time for every American to speak up publicly. PM Netanyahu, let in the food, medicine & aid. We must not be complicit.“

On Recognizing the State of Palestine

  • Marshall (R-KS) 7/31/25: “Look, I think Americans are tired of the killing in Gaza, that Israel needs to end this war one way or another. We need to stop this famine. I would just ask, and Canada is making this really complicated. They’re hamstringing President Trump. And I would ask our friends in Canada, what type of statehood are they talking about? If you look at Palestinians’ past, they’ve been a failed government. They paid no attention to water, to sewers, to schools, to the economics of their country. I’ve been over there, and it’s a disaster right now. Instead, they focused on chaos, on terrorism, so I don’t think that’s a viable solution right now. Again, I think President Trump, if anyone can solve this, I think it’s going to be President Trump. And what Canada is doing there is not very helpful for the cause.”
  • Hudson (R-NC) 7/31/25: X-post – “I unequivocally stand with Israel and condemn Canada’s recognition of a so-called Palestinian state. Gaza is controlled by the murderous terrorist group Hamas- who still hold hostages, are stealing food aid and are to blame for the mass starvation in Gaza. The recognition of a so-called Palestinian state would be rewarding the very people responsible for the suffering and the starvation. Prime Minister Carney says this recognition is conditional on Hamas stepping aside and elections being held. That’s like recognizing Canada as a U.S. state, on the condition they someday vote to become one. It’s nonsensical. This move doesn’t advance peace, it rewards terrorism, fails to recognize the hostages and undermines our ally Israel. The United States must reject this kind of naïve appeasement and stand firmly for our values.“
  • Ricketts (R-NE) 7/31/25: X-post – “Instead of caving to Hamas apologists, our British, French, and Canadian allies should work towards a resolution that actually leads to Hamas’ surrender. When we end Hamas, we can end this conflict. This playbook has been tried and failed over and again. Every time the world threatens Israel, Hamas is emboldened to reject ceasefires, keep the hostages, and maintain its terrorist hold over Gaza. Hamas must surrender.“
  • Carter (R-GA) 7/30/25: X-post – “Translation: UK to recognize Hamas terrorists. I’m proud that the U.S., under @realDonaldTrump’s leadership, stands with Israel.” Linked to article about the UK threat to recognize the state of Palestine.

On the Murder of Awdah Hathaleen in the West Bank by an Israeli Settler

  • Dexter (D-OR) 7/31/25: X-post – “The horrific murder of Awdah Hathaleen—a nonviolent voice for justice—by Israeli settlers is not an isolated act of violence. It is the direct result of Netanyahu’s campaign to silence those who expose the brutality of his extremist, violent government.“
  • Nadler (D-NY) 7/29/25: X-post – “I’m deeply disturbed by the murder of Awdah Hathaleen in the village of Umm al-Khair in the West Bank. I am especially troubled that this murder was committed by Yinon Levi, a violent settler extremist, previously sanctioned under the Biden administration. Violence in the West Bank has reached fever pitch levels. That is why I introduced the West Bank Violence Prevention Act. The bill seeks to prevent these exact kind of acts by legislating the Biden Administration’s Executive Order 14115. The bill would also punish all those who commit such violent acts in the West Bank, regardless of their nationality. In the wake of this devastating and brutal murder by a previously sanctioned individual, I invite my colleagues to cosponsor HR 3045 in Awdah’s memory and join the fight to try to prevent such violence from occurring. Only through such action can Israelis and Palestinians begin to contemplate living in peace, security, and stability and move forward in a process aimed at achieving a two-state solution.”
  • Simon (D-CA) 7/29/25: X-post – “I am heartbroken by the killing of Awdah Hathaleen, an English teacher and father of three, who was shot and killed in his village of Umm al-Khair by an Israeli settler previously sanctioned for violence. Just last month, I joined my Bay Area colleagues in demandingn answers from the Administration after Awdah and his cousin, both holding valid visas, were unjustly detained and deported from SFO while traveling to my district for a multicultural faith dialogue. The settler who killed Awdah must be held accountable. We cannot and will not support violence. No one should live under the threat of demolition, displacement, or death. Our office calls on the State Department to conduct a full investigation. U.S. foreign policy must not shield or enable human rights violations.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 7/29/25: X-post – “Awdah Hathaleen was a journalist and activist working toward justice. His killing is a tragedy. I was proud to show No Other Land in the Capitol—to bring its message from the West Bank to lawmakers. My heart goes out to his family and those mourning.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 7/29/25: X-post – “Awdah Hathaleen was a journalist and activist working toward justice. His killing is a tragedy. I was proud to show No Other Land in the Capitol — to bring its message from the West Bank to lawmakers. My heart goes out to his family and those mourning.“
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 7/29/25: X-post – “The murder of human rights activist Awdah Hathaleen by extremist settler Yinon Levi is a painful reminder that our government and Israel continue to enable and condone violence in the West Bank. Enough! We must reinstate the sanctions on West Bank settlers perpetrating violence and hold accountable all those whose extreme and escalating violence continues to rob us of our neighbors – including Trump and Netanyahu!”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 7/29/25: X-post – “I condemn the killing of Awdah Hathaleen, a Palestinian activist and journalist. My heart breaks for his family and loved ones. We must speak out against violence and stand up for the dignity and rights of Palestinians.“
  • Garamendi (D-CA) 7/29/25: “I am demanding answers about the reported tragic death of Awdah Hathaleen. Awdah, an English teacher and Palestinian activist, was previously denied entry to the United States after being invited to an Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity event to speak about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. According to recent reports, Hathaleen was shot by an Israeli settler in the West Bank village of Umm Al-Khair and later died of his wounds. Violence by Israeli settlers against peaceful Palestinians has been all too common and we must demand accountability. Unfortunately, this administration has shown little interest in pushing for peace. On day one of his second term, President Trump repealed sanctions on 30 Israeli settlers and settler organizations accused of engaging in violence in the West Bank. One of those settlers allegedly shot Hathaleen. Lifting sanctions on the very individuals who perpetrate these unacceptable acts only emboldens violent settlers and sends a signal that the United States won’t hold violent actors accountable. The West Bank has witnessed intolerable levels of settler violence for decades, and the war in Gaza has only further exacerbated this situation. Settler violence in the West Bank wreaks terror and forces the displacement of Palestinian communities, further destabilizing the Middle East region and putting the prospects for peace and security even further out of reach. This is unacceptable. Israel must rein in settler violence and ensure that Palestinians in the West Bank are able to live in peace, free from the threat of violence.”

Stoking Hate for Palestinians/Muslims/People Who Care about Palestinians, Etc

  • Fine (R-FL) 7/26/25: X-post – “First they come for the Saturday people. Then they come for the Sunday people.” Amplifying post claiming “BREAKING: Multiple smoke bombs have been set off during Montreal church worship service by Islamists waving Palestinian flags.” The actual story: Montreal church fined $2,500 for hosting U.S. Christian singer without permit (National Post 7/26/25) – excerpt: “The City of Montreal has fined a local church for hosting a concert by the U.S.-based Christian musician Sean Feucht. Feucht’s controversial views and his status as a rising star in the MAGA movement have led officials to cancel his concerts in several Canadian cities in recent days. But on Friday evening, an evangelical church in Montreal allowed Feucht to perform a hastily scheduled concert over the objections of the city administration, and is now facing a $2,500 fine…”; also see: Protests erupt outside Montreal church where U.S. Christian musician held worship performance (National Post 7/26/25) Excerpt – “…As Feucht’s supporters began arriving, local activists gathered in front of the Spanish-speaking church on Roy St, chanting anti-Trump and anti-fascism slogans. Tensions grew as the crowd grew.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 7/25/25: X-post – “Don’t Gaza my America.” Amplifying an X-post decrying a children’s choir at what the post claims is a school in Texas (if it is, it’s a private school, or just as likely it is at a Palestinian community group’s event) singing in Arabic while wearing keffiyas, with the comment: “Texas can never be allowed to become a Muslim state. America can never be allowed to become a Muslim country.“
  • Fine (R-FL) 7/25/25: X-post – “CAIR is a terrorist organization. Their leaders celebrate genocide and want America to become a Muslim caliphate. Make no mistake, these are evil people, and my bill calls evil by its name by designating CAIR a foreign terrorist organization.“

Targeting the NEA

  • Blackburn (R-TN) 7/28/25: X-post – “The National Education Association erased the word ‘Jewish’ when referencing the Holocaust in their handbook. After being caught red-handed, they erased the handbook from their website.   This blatant antisemitism is why we need to pass my NEA Charter Repeal Act.”
  • Tenney (R-NY) 7/28/25: X-post – “The NEA’s new handbook mentions 12 million Holocaust victims from various backgrounds but somehow leaves out the Jews; the very people the Nazis tried to exterminate. Instead of teaching the truth, they attempt to smear Israel and push anti-Zionist propaganda. This isn’t education. It’s antisemitic, dishonest, and disgraceful.“
  • House Committee on Education & Reform (GOP) 7/28/25: X-post – “The same handbook that tried to spread antisemitic materials and erase the persecution of Jews during the Holocaust. Seems America’s biggest teachers union is embarrassed now that they’ve been caught.” Responding to 7/25/25 Corey DeAngelis post, “BREAKING: The nation’s largest teachers union just scrubbed their 2025 handbook from their website. Too bad for them, I saved the 434-page document.“
  • Lummis (R-WY) 7/26/25: X-post – “After @RepFitzgerald and I introduced legislation this week to hold the NEA accountable – and outlaw them from promoting antisemitism, Critical Race Theory, or engaging in partisan politics – they suddenly deleted their handbook. We will hold the NEA accountable.” Responding to 7/25/25 Corey DeAngelis post, “BREAKING: The nation’s largest teachers union just scrubbed their 2025 handbook from their website. Too bad for them, I saved the 434-page document.”

Other stuff

  • Owens (R-UT) 7/31/25: X-post – “‘Woke is officially DEAD at Brown.’ Thanks to action from President @realDonaldTrump and  @usedgov, another college is finally stepping up, ending antisemitism, enforcing Title IX, and restoring merit. A BIG win for students, parents, and higher ed.“
  • Greene (R-GA) 7/31/25: X-post (excerpt) – “Yesterday I spoke to a Christian pastor from Gaza. There are children starving. And Christians have been killed and injured, as well as many innocent people. If you are an American Christian, this should be absolutely unacceptable to you. Just as we said that Hamas killing and kidnapping innocent people on Oct 7th is absolutely unacceptable. Are innocent Israeli lives more valuable than innocent Palestinian and Christian lives? And why should America continue funding this? The secular government of nuclear armed Israel has proven that they are beyond capable of dealing with their enemies and are capable of and are in the process of systematically cleansing them from the land. Most Americans that I know don’t hate Israel and we are not antisemitic at all. We are beyond fed up with being told that we have to fix the world’s problems, pay for the world’s problems, and fight all the world’s wars while Americans are struggling to survive even though they work everyday. And many of us, even though we are Christians, no longer want to fund and fight nuclear armed secular Israel’s wars especially when it leads to starving children and killing innocent people including Christians. Of course we are against radical Islamic terrorism, but we are also against genocide. You see.. When you have worked your entire life, and will only receive a $1,000 Social Security check, but noncitizens were given $3,500 and more, you are pissed off. When you have worked your entire life, and all your elected federal officials have recklessly spent and sent your hard earned money to every foreign country and every foreign war and NGO to the point we are almost $40 TRILLION in debt and inflation has caused life to be unaffordable, you are pissed off. When you have worked your entire life, and your elected federal government officials refuse to fix the absurd problems that makes all insurance unaffordable, you are pissed off. And for the younger generations, who are trying their hardest to make it in this ridiculous system, they feel hopeless! And that makes me burn with anger. None of this is antisemitic and I, along with millions of Americans, refuse that manipulative label. It’s the consequences of decades of America LAST policies, nonstop foreign intervention, and the American people clearly seeing the truth and suffering. Here is where I stand. No American should face persecution of any kind because of their identity. Not Jewish American. Not Muslim American. Not Christian American. Not White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, mixed American. And on and on. We already have hate crime laws against that and that’s not who we are in America and we have and should continue to work hard to not allow ourselves to become that…”
  • Risch (R-ID) 7/30/25: X-post – “.@USTreasury’s announcement today will deal a massive blow to Russia and Iran, and their destabilizing agenda. President Trump’s maximum pressure on Iran will continue as long as it insists on enriching uranium & refuses to negotiate.“
  • Cohen (D-TN) 7/30/25: Congressmen Cohen and McClintock Condemn the Execution of Iranian Political Prisoners
  • Massie (R-KY) 7/30/25: X-post – “Israel’s war in Gaza is so lopsided that there’s no rational argument American taxpayers should be paying for it. With tens of thousands of civilian casualties, there’s a moral dilemma too. I vote to stop funding their war and lobbyists for Israel pay for campaign ads against me.” Linked to article in The Hill – The American right is falling out of love with Israel
  • House Committee on Education & the Workforce (GOP) 7/29/25: X-post – “Antisemitism has been out of control on Harvard’s campus. Jewish students and faculty faced rampant harassment with virtually no support from university leaders. We’re glad that the Trump administration is finally holding schools accountable for following the law and facing antisemitism head-on.“
  • Goldman (D-NY) 7/29/25: Rep. Dan Goldman Convenes Boro Park Leadership Roundtable With Elected Officials, Law Enforcement, and Community Groups to Address Rise in Antisemitic Incidents
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 7/28/25: X-post – “Adam Shapiro watched live as Israeli forces stormed the Freedom Flotilla in international waters and detained his wife, Palestinian American human rights lawyer Huwaida Arraf and 20 others for trying to deliver food to Gaza. Thank you Huwaida Arraf, for your courage and conviction. Michigan is with you.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 7/28/25: X-post – “Congress is threatening to sanction South Africa for their courageous leadership against the Israeli regime’s genocide in Gaza. H.R.2633 is an extremist disgrace. Republicans and any Democrats who vote for this should forever keep Mandela’s name out of their mouths.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 7/27/25: X-post – “.@StateDept seven Americans were on this ship. You must ensure the Israeli government doesn’t abuse their rights, torture or kill them. Americans have been getting killed in Israel with no accountability. Your mission is centered on protecting Americans abroad. Do your job.” Responding to a post reporting Israel’s interception of the Handala in international waters.
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/26/25: X-post – “I’m glad to see this bill adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism advance unanimously out of committee this week in the NJ Assembly. With antisemitic hate surging across our state, it’s time to get this done to protect our Jewish communities.“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/26/25: X-post – “France’s decision is deeply misguided. It rewards Hamas for the atrocities of October 7 and is counterproductive to real, lasting peace. Peace in the region requires honest talks between Israelis and Palestinians, not unilateral declarations by foreign nations. This is a slap in the face to the victims of 10/7 and does nothing to advance a real Palestinian state.”

5. Selected Media