FMEP Legislative Round-Up: February 12, 2021

Resource

1. Bills, Resolutions & Letters
2. Senate Budget Resolution
3. On the Record

First things first: Section 3 of this report includes articles about the Hill. I considered including links documenting the ongoing outrageous attacks against Matt Duss, a senior staff member in the office of Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), coming from places like the Free Beacon, Algemeiner, Nikki Haley’s Twitter account, and the like. I decided: nope. If you want to read that garbage, you can look it up yourself.  Instead, here’s what I have to say on the subject:

If you don’t know Matt, well, you’re missing out on knowing a truly extraordinary guy. I’ve been lucky enough to know Matt for nearly twenty years (since long before he was my predecessor at the helm of the Foundation for Middle East Peace – I’m honored to have recommended him for that job!). He is principled, compassionate, kind, breathtakingly intelligent, and indefatigably committed to what I was raised to call tikkun olam – repairing the world. And he has great taste in music (I will owe him forever for introducing me to Screaming Females). The American people are lucky to have Matt in public service and if he goes to the State Department, the United States and the world will be better for it. Also, take the time to read Peter Beinart: Why Matt Duss Matters

Shameless plugs

*Brought to you in cooperation with Americans for Peace Now, where the Round-Up was born!

1. Bills, Resolutions & Letters

(TARGETING PALESTINIAN SUPPORT AT UN) HR 875: Introduced 2/5 by Gohmert (R-TX),  “To prohibit United States assistance to foreign countries that oppose the position of the United States in the United Nations” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(TARGETING UNHRC) HR 1021: Introduced 2/11 by Roy (R-TX) and 17 all-GOP cosponsors, “To prohibit contributions to the United Nations Human Rights Council, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Press release – Rep. Roy announces legislation to block funding to the ‘morally bankrupt,’ anti-Israel U.N. Human Rights Council

(STANDING WITH DESIRE OF THE IRANIAN PEOPLE – AS DEFINED BY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS) H. Res. 118: Introduced 2/11 by McClintock (R-CA) and 112 cosponsors (87 Republican, 25 Democrats), “Expressing support for the Iranian people’s desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran and condemning violations of human rights and state-sponsored terrorism by the Iranian Government.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Press releases/tweets from cosponsors – Diaz-Balart (R-FL)

(IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 857: Introduced 2/5 by Bacon (R-NE) and Wilson (R-SC), “To impose sanctions on certain persons contributing to the proliferation of arms of Iran, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary. Bacon press release is here, Tweet here.

(REWARDS FOR CATCHING SANCTIONS BUSTERS) HR 1036: Introduced 2/11 by Wilson (R-SC) and Deutch (D-FL), the “Bassam Barabandi Rewards for Justice Act,” aka, “To amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize rewards under the Department of State’s rewards program relating to information regarding individuals or entities engaged in activities in contravention of United States or United Nations sanctions, and for other purposes.” Wilson press release – “WILSON REINTRODUCES BILL TO EXPAND REWARDS FOR JUSTICE AT STATE DEPARTMENT”

(NO HUMANITARIAN EXEMPTIONS FROM IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 901: Introduced 2/5 by Steil (R-WI), “To prohibit the issuance of licenses or other waivers from sanctions imposed pursuant to certain authorities relating to the conduct of Iran, and for other purposes” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. From Steil press release, “...I am deeply concerned that the Biden Administration could abuse humanitarian waivers to provide sanctions relief regardless of the regime’s terrorist activities. Using this loophole, the Biden Administration will appear tough on Iran by not formally lifting sanctions, while simultaneously allowing transactions that financially support Iran’s pursuit of terrorism. My bill closes this loophole, prevents the Biden Administration from providing sanctions relief under the guise of humanitarian aid, and requires President Biden to certify to Congress that Iran is no longer sponsoring terrorism before lifting sanctions.” Also see: GOP Legislative Push Seeks to Stop Biden Admin from Unraveling Iran Sanctions (Free Beacon). Steil tweet: “Our nation must not return to the days of sending pallets of cash to Iran’s leaders. I introduced the No Sanctions Relief for Terrorists Act to prevent lifting sanctions on Iran unless the regime ends its terrorism activity.” And another Steil tweet, this one with a video.

(SUPPORTING COPTS) H. Res. 117: Introduced 2/11 by Hill (R-AR) and no cosponsors, “Supporting Coptic Christians in Egypt.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Letters

(GET TOUGH ON ERDOGAN) Senate letter to Biden: On 2/9, Sens. Wyden (D-OR) and Rubio (R-FL) led a letter, co-signed by 52 other senators (bipartisan) urging President Biden to press the Turkish government to improve its “troubling” human rights record. Press release is here. Money quote (in that Congress would clearly not apply this statement to Israel), “We believe the United States must hold allies and partners to a higher standard and speak frankly to then about issues of human rights and democratic backsliding.” Also see from FDD, “Biden Should Heed Senate’s Call for Tougher Action Against Erdogan”

(DON’T RE-ENTRY INTO JCPOA!) House GOP letter to Biden: On 2/8, Rep. Zeldin (R-NY), led a letter to President Biden, signed by a total of 120 House GOP colleagues, attacking a letter from House Democrats calling for re-entry in the JCPOA, and calling potential re-entry into that agreement “without first pursuing any changes to the 2015 agreement” “a strategic US foreign policy blunder, exponentially more dangerous than the consequences of the original misguided approach.” The letter includes: “If an agreement is reached, it should be of the nature to receive broad bipartisan support from Congress and be submitted to the United States Senate to be ratified as a treaty.” Press releases/tweets from signers: Zeldin, Stefanik (R-NY), Green (R-TN), Lamborn (R-CO), Womack (R-AR), Babin (R-TX), Taylor (R-TX), Salazar (R-FL), Gonzalez (R-OH), Malliotakis (R-NY), Steil (R-WI), Stewart (R-UT), Kustoff (R-TN)

(*DEMANDING* ANSWERS RE JERUSALEM EMBASSY) Hagerty letter to Biden: On 2/6, Sen. Hagerty (R-TN) sent a letter to President Biden expressing his “serious concern after a senior administration official, on February 5, 2021, chose not to answer one of the most basic and crucial questions about U.S. foreign policy: whether we will keep the American Embassy in Israel’s capital city of Jerusalem.” See his press release – “Hagerty Demands Answer from Biden on Maintaining U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem” [Note: For better or for worse, the Biden team has made clear – since before the election – that President Biden would not move the embassy out of Jerusalem – see April 29, 2020, Jan. 20, 2021].

(US STAY OUT OF UNHRC!) House GOP letter to Biden: On 2/5, Rep. Roy (R-TX) led a letter, signed by total of 44 House Republicans, urging Biden not to rejoin the UN Human Rights Council, over its alleged mistreatment of Israel. Roy press release – Rep. Roy leads 44 House Republicans in urging President Biden to keep America out of the ‘morally bankrupt’ U.N. Human Rights Council

 

2. Sentate Budget Resolution

Last week’s Round-Up covered (in excruciating detail) grandstanding Middle East-related amendments offered to S. Con, Res. 5, “A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2021 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2022 through 2030.” – passed by the Senate Feb 5 at 5:23am after an all-night vote-a-rama and after Vice President Harris cast a tie-breaking vote. The budget resolution now goes to the House for action.

As noted last week, out of the 889 amendments submitted, only the text of 546 were available in the Congressional record as of late on February 5th. As a result, last week’s Round-Up included full details of Middle East-related amendments from that first batch of 546, and partial details (gleaned from other sources) of Middle East-related amendments from the remaining 343. This week, that second batch of amendments appeared in the Congressional Record – full details of Middle East-related amendments among them are below.

And as noted last week, while only one Middle East-related amendment was considered/passed, wise Hill watchers will take heed: all of these amendments offer invaluable hints of what is likely to come in this session of Congress.

  • (IRAN SANCTIONS) SA 605, offered by Romney (R-UT), “relating to ensuring that the maximum pressure sanctions against Iran remain in place until there has been a full evaluation of the strategic impact of such sanctions.”
  • (CUT LOANS TO JORDAN) SA 609, offered by Paul (R-KY), relating to “US infrastructure instead of loans to Jordan”
  • (CUT SCHOLARSHIPS TO EGYPT) SA 613, offered by Paul (R-KY), relating to “Roads in the US instead of scholarships for Egyptians”
  • (CUT AID FOR TUNISIAN YOUTH) SA 615, offered by Paul (R-KY), relating to “Roads instead of Tunisian Youth”
  • (TARGETING IRAN) SA 639, offered by Hagerty (R-TN), “relating to prohibiting the united states government from ever again facilitating the transfer of ‘pallets of cash’ to the Iranian regime or other state sponsors of terrorism.” Also see Hagerty’s press release
  • (SUPPORT ISRAEL) SA 686, offered by Graham (R-SC), to “relating to the United States honoring its commitment to the funding levels agreed to in the 2016 security assistance memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Israel.”
  • (FIGHTING BDS) SA 711, offered by Hagerty (R-TN) to “relating to condemning universities and colleges that tolerate the discriminatory antisemitic conduct of advocates of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement on campus.”
  • (IRAN AT THE IMF) SA 723, offered by Risch (R-ID), “point of order against supporting the issuance of special drawing rights by the International Monetary Fund.” [“It shall not be in order in the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, motion, amendment, amendment between the Houses, or conference report that would provide for the issuance of Special Drawing Rights at the International Monetary Fund to Venezuela, Iran, Syria, the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, Zimbabwe, or Cuba.”
  • (TARGETING THE ICC) SA 732, offered by Risch (R-ID), to “point of order against funding to support the International Criminal Court unless the International Criminal Court ceases its preliminary examination of Israeli actions in the Palestinian territories.”
  • (TARGETING ROB MALLEY) SA 741, offered by Risch (R-ID), “Relating to the special representative for Iran” [“…may require that a nomination for the Special Representative for Iran be submitted to the Senate for its advice and consent if the Special Representative for Iran is going to exercise significant authority pursuant to the laws of the United States…”]
  • (TARGETING ROB MALLEY) SA 743, offered by Risch (R-ID), “Relating to the special envoy for Iran” [“…which may require that a nomination for the Special Envoy for Iran be submitted to the Senate for its advice and consent if the Special Envoy for Iran is going to exercise significant authority pursuant to the laws of the United States…”]
  • (JERUSALEM EMBASSY) SA 744, offered by Risch (R-ID), “Point of Order against relocation of U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, Israel”
  • (NO IRAN DEAL W/O CONGRESS APPROVAL) SA 745, offered by Risch (R-ID), “Point of Order against implementing a nuclear deal with Iran absent formal Congressional approval”
  • (TARGETING JCPOA) SA 746, offered by Risch (R-ID), “Point of Order against implementing a nuclear deal with Iran until detained U.S. citizens are released”
  • (NO JCPOA w/o CONGRESS APPROVAL) SA 747, offered by Risch (R-ID), “Point of Order against implementing a nuclear deal with Iran absent Congressional approval”
  • (TARGETING JCPOA) SA 748, offered by Risch (R-ID), “Point of Order against implementing a nuclear deal with Iran absent Iran curtailing support to terrorist proxies and ballistic missile activities.”
  • (TARGETING JCPOA) SA 749, offered by Risch (R-ID), “Point of Order against implementing a nuclear deal with Iran under which Iranian sanctions relief is granted as a precondition for negotiations”
  • (JERUSALEM EMBASSY) SA 786, offered by Inhofe (R-OK) and 19 GOP cosponsors, “relating to maintaining the United States embassy in Jerusalem, Israel” — passed by a vote of 97-3.
  • (TARGETING JCPOA) SA 838, offered by Cruz (R-TX), taking funding away from JCPOA implementation and “to increase funding for the Department of Defense (function 050) to enable the Department of Defense to provide additional training and care, including veterinary care, to working military dogs” (pdf of amendment text is here; Free Beacon article about it is here)
  • (TARGETING IRAN) SA 879, offered by Barrasso (R-WY), “relating to ensuring that United States taxpayer dollars do not benefit terrorists.” (targeting Iran)

 

3. On the Record

Members On The Record…

…Re: UNHRC

Zeldin (R-NY) 2/10: Tweet – “Since 2006, @UN_HRC condemned Israel more than Syria, N Korea, Iran & Venezuela COMBINED. Instead of forwarding human rights, it’s become a shill for anti-Semites & our world’s most notorious dictators. The US cannot condone this hypocrisy.”

Scott (R-FL) 2/8: Sen. Rick Scott: Biden Must Stand Up for Human Rights; Reject Rejoining UN Human Rights Council

Risch (R-ID) 2/8: Tweet – “It is irresponsible that the Biden Administration has decided to re-engage the UN Human Rights Council without seeking reforms. Its members include some of the worst human rights abusers like #China, #Cuba, #Russia, & #Venezuela, & it unfairly targets #Israel.”

Rubio (R-FL) 2/8: Rubio: U.S. Has No Place in Broken U.N. Human Rights Council

McCaul (R-TX) 2/8: Tweet – “Our participation should be focused on implementing significant reforms at UNHRC, including ending the clear bias against Israel, and having the body investigate the genocide in #Xinjiang without delay.” [part of longer thread]

…Re: the ICC & Israel

McCaul (R-TX) 2/9: McCaul Statement on International Criminal Court Ruling Against Israel [also on Twitter]

Rubio (R-FL) 2/9: Tweet – “The #ICC doesn’t have legitimate jurisdiction in #Israel, yet attempts to prosecute Israelis. The politicization of the court is dangerous. Nations funding the #ICC should ensure their resources are spent on investigating actual crimes against humanity & not political escapades.”

Cardin (D-MD) 2/8: Cardin Says ICC Decision to Investigate Israel is Disturbing and Damaging to the Court’s Credibility [“As 68 Senators joined me in articulating last year, establishing the boundaries of any future Palestinian state is a political decision that must be determined through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. This move by the ICC undermines the path towards peace and erodes the Court’s credibility as an impartial champion of justice. I urge Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to refrain from moving forward with this investigation.”]

Risch (R-ID) 2/5: Tweet – “The #ICC’s ruling today unfairly targets #Israel, who is a model for rule of law in the Middle East. The ICC’s reputation and credibility continue to deteriorate.”

…Saudi freeing Loujain al-Hathloul

McGovern (D-MA), Schiff (D-CA), Pocan (D-WI), Shaheen (D-NH), Coons (D-DE), Markey (D-MA), Frankel (D-FL), Connolly (D-VA), Rubio (R-FL), Menendez (D-NJ), Menendez (D-NJ, calling for her release),

…Re: Saudi/Yemen

Khanna (D-CA) 2/11: Twitter thread- “Biden made a huge commitment to end US support for the Saudi war in Yemen. But our work to support a brighter future for the people of Yemen is just beginning.  What do we have left to do on Yemen?”…

Smith (D-WA) 2/8: Tweets – “While the Houthis have engaged in persistent behavior that must be scrutinized, labeling them a terrorist organization has disrupted the flow of aid to the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophe and jeopardized the ongoing peace negotiations. (1/2)” and “By reversing this designation and ending offensive support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, @POTUS has reaffirmed his commitment to foreign policy that prioritizes diplomacy. Next steps must include a ceasefire, enduring peace talks, and restored humanitarian aid. (2/2)”

Cotton (R-AR) 2/6: Cotton Statement on Biden Administration Decision to Remove the Terrorist Designation of the Houthi Militia (also Tweet, Tweet)

Risch (R-ID) & McCaul (R-TX) 2/5: Risch, McCaul Statement on Biden Plans to Rescind Houthi Terrorist Designation

Tlaib (D-MI) 2/5: Tweet – “Thankful @POTUS ended US support for the Saudi Coalition’s war crimes in #Yemen. This is a start—the Yemeni people now need humanitarian aid ASAP. Congress must also act to repeal the 2001 and 2002 #AUMF. America—and the world—deserve better than forever war.”

Grijalva (D-AZ) 2/5: Tweet – “The Saudi-led war in Yemen created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, killed thousands of Yemeni civilians and exposed millions to starvation, displacement and disease. Diplomacy should always take precedence over war.”

Paul (R-KY) 2/5: Tweet – “I applaud @POTUS’s decision to stop supporting Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen. Halting the relevant arms sales fueling this humanitarian crisis is another great decision. Good steps in the right direction.”

Merkley (D-OR) 2/5: Tweet – “US backing of the Saudi-led military coalition inflicting terrible human suffering in Yemen has been a stain on our nation. I’m glad to see @POTUS withdraw American support for the war, & will continue to push for much-needed humanitarian assistance to reach the people of Yemen.”

…Bashing Biden for Not (yet) Calling Bibi 

[Lara Friedman (FMEP) 2/11: Tweet – “For folks who were wondering what was the point of Danny Danon tweet urging Biden to call Bibi… GOP in Congress is recognizing it as partisan hook to attack Biden”]

Salazar (R-FL) 2/11: Tweet – “The democratic, Jewish State of #Israel should be treated like the longtime friend and ally that it is! @HouseForeignGOP” [Linked to Free Beacon article, “Republican Leaders Slam Biden for Not Calling Israeli PM Netanyahu”]

Hagerty (R-TN) 2/11: Tweet – “It is shameful that Joe Biden has failed to reach out to our close ally, Israel. Americans stand with the Israeli people, and the sitting President should never allow that to be questioned.” [linked to Biden’s Ghosting of Netanyahu Raises Concern for U.S.-Israel Ties (Breitbart)]

Wilson (R-SC) 2/11: Tweet – “A new admin should begin by reaching out to our country’s allies. So far, this admin has reached out to over 10 countries including China but has yet to speak with President @Netanyahu. Israel is an important ally to the U.S. and I hope @POTUS makes this call soon” [NOTE: Deleted this tweet – why? Who knows.]

Gimenez (R-FL) 2/11: Tweet – “Let’s correct this tweet. #China is not our ally. They are the most dangerous geopolitical and economic threat America faces today. #Israel is a strong, reliable partner in the Middle East, and serves as a bold example of freedom and democracy.” [linked to Tweet + article from NBC news – “In his first weeks in office, President Biden has made a flurry of international phone calls to American allies, including the leaders of Canada, Britain, France, Japan and China. But Israeli PM Netanyahu has so far not received a call.”]

Salazar (R-FL) 2/11: Tweet – “The administration has called the Chinese Communist Party’s regime in #Beijing but not to our friend and ally, the democratic, Jewish State of #Israel. It is embarrassing. It is offensive. And should be corrected immediately!” [linked to McCaul (R-TX) press release on the same subject]

McCaul (R-TX) 2/11: Tweet – “LR @RepMcCaul: “It’s concerning that the admin has called over 10 nations, including China, but they have yet to call Israel. I hope @POTUS Biden talks with @Netanyahu soon – strong partnerships with our allies like #Israel must always remain a top priority for America.”

Jackson (R-TX) 2/11: Tweet – “What is @POTUS avoiding? I urge President Biden to ignore the radical left in his party and make a strong show of support for our partnership with Israel by calling @IsraeliPM Netanyahu.” [Linked to Tweet/article from Adam Kredo/Free Beacon – “JUST IN: Top GOP Leaders Slam Biden for Refusing to Call Israeli PM Netanyahu — Biden has already called Russia/China. Lawmakers on @HouseForeignGOP tell me Biden’s snub of Netanyahu is a troubling sign for U.S.-Israel relations under Biden”

Hagerty (R-TN) 2/11: Tweet – “What #BeijingBiden and the liberal media fail to understand: – China is NOT our ally – Israel is our ally” [linked to Tweet + article from NBC news – “In his first weeks in office, President Biden has made a flurry of international phone calls to American allies, including the leaders of Canada, Britain, France, Japan and China. But Israeli PM Netanyahu has so far not received a call.”]

…Re: Iran, JCPOA

Cornyn (R-TX) 2/11: Tweet – “Iran Has Started Producing Uranium Metal, in Violation of 2015 Accords, IAEA Says. It can be used for nuclear weapons: //www.wsj.com/articles/iran-has-started-producing-uranium-metal-in-violation-of-2015-accords-iaea-says-11612981889?reflink=desktopwebshare_twitter via @WSJ” [sic]

Bacon (R-NE) 2/11: Tweet – “Iran is #1 state sponsor of terrorism & wants to obtain nuclear weapons. Those who sell weapons to Iran should be sanctioned by the US Government. It is in our national interest to undermine the capacities of Iran until they change their malevolent ways. https://riponadvance.com/stories/bacon-seeks-arms-proliferation-sanctions-on-iran/”

Blumenthal (D-CT) 2/11: Tweet – “This day marks the tragic third anniversary of Iran’s outrageously unjust imprisonment of Morad Tahbaz, a British & American citizen who is gravely ill & vulnerable.”

Banks (R-IN) 2/10: Tweet – “Conservatives will continue to oppose, and work to reverse, any sort of sanctions relief to #Iran unless it stops supporting terrorism, ends its regional destabilization, and stops its ballistic-missile program.”

McClain (R-MI) 2/10: Tweets – “The Iran Nuclear Deal was catastrophic for America, made the world less safe and lifted sanctions on Iran even though they were not following through on their commitments.” & “Recently, I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to the Biden Administration urging them not to reenter the Iran Nuclear Deal. Read more” [link to last week’s letter led by Murphy (R-NC), covered in last week’s Round-Up]

Scott (R-FL) 2/10: Tweet – “Iran takes another reckless step to threaten regional and national security, proving they must be treated like the terrorist and aggressive regime they are. @POTUS must take immediate action and show that the U.S. doesn’t turn a blind eye toward pariahs.” [linked to WSJ article – Iran Has Started Producing Uranium Metal, in Violation of 2015 Accords, IAEA Says”]

Hinson (R-IA) 2/9: Tweet – “Re-joining the Iran deal without serious reforms would be a huge mistake that would embolden terrorists & endanger Americans. Iran should never have a path to a nuclear weapon. Thanks to @SenJoniErnst for her leadership on this issue. #IA01”

Menendez (D-NJ) 2/9: Chairman Menendez on President Biden’s Iran Strategy [“I applaud President Biden for saying this weekend that his administration will not offer significant sanctions relief to the Iranians to get them back to the negotiating table and concur that Iran must stop enriching uranium. I support the administration’s efforts to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran to address its nuclear program that is both longer and stronger than previous commitments and address other pressing challenges. In doing so, I believe the administration must work closely with our allies and should not be motivated by artificial deadlines from the Iranians or any external actors.”]

Ernst (R-IA) 2/9: Press release – “Ernst: “Even to discuss rejoining the original Iran Nuclear Deal right now is unwise.” (Tweet) – referencing S. Res. 31

Deutch (D-FL) 2/8: Tweet – “@POTUS Biden has made clear a top foreign policy priority will be to cut off any paths for Iran to achieve nuclear weapons capabilities. Smart, strategic diplomacy is the best way to achieve this.” linked to WSJ article, “Biden Won’t Lift Iran Sanctions to Bring Tehran Back to Negotiating Table”

Grothman (R-WI) 2/8: Tweet – “The Iran Nuclear Deal fails to permanently prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Instead, it emboldens the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. I signed onto this letter w/ 51 colleagues urging @JoeBiden not to re-enter this flawed deal.” (see last week’s Round-Up for details of that Murphy-led letter)

Scott (R-FL) 2/8: Tweet – “The U.S. won’t just take the word of a terrorist-sponsoring regime to be on its best behavior. Iran can’t be trusted and@POTUS must hold strong on sanctions. This only further confirms the Ayatollah’s disconnection from reality and why we cannot reenter the disastrous Iran deal.”

Cornyn (R-TX) 2/7: Tweet – “Good: President Biden said the U.S. won’t lift sanctions on Iran in order to get the country back to the negotiating table.” linked to WSJ article, “Biden Won’t Lift Iran Sanctions to Bring Tehran Back to Negotiating Table”

Hagedorn (R-MN) 2/7: Tweet – “I signed onto @RepGregMurphy’s letter to @POTUS urging him not to rejoin the #IranNuclearDeal. The Iran Deal appeased Iran and contributed to instability in the region. Leaving the agreement helped pave the way for President Trump to strike historic Middle East peace agreements.” (see last week’s Round-Up for details of that Murphy-led letter)

Kustoff (R-TN) 2/6: Tweet – “I introduced a bill that’ll put pressure on Iran & its leaders to expose the corrupt nature of this regime. I also voted against a bill that would push @JoeBiden’s $1.9 trillion COVID plan through both chambers. We don’t need another costly bill until all previous funds are used.” (with video making his case) – references HR 819, covered in last week’s Round-Up

Crenshaw (R-TX) 2/5: Tweet – “A European court affirming what we’ve known all along: Iran is a state sponsor of terror. As the Biden administration formulates its Iran policy it should realize the failures of past appeasements and the successes of pressure.” [linked to article – Iranian diplomat convicted over 2018 Paris bomb plot against dissidents]

Womack (R-AR) 2/5: Tweet – “Iran shouldn’t receive an IMF loan. Corrupt Tehran won’t use it to help the Iranians they suppress—they’ll apply it towards their rogue agenda and destabilizing behaviors. The Biden Administration—and IMF—should reject any funding that supports this state sponsor of terror.”

Cramer (R-ND) 2/5: Tweet – “The Iran Nuclear Deal jeopardized the security of our allies in the region & the American people, and we gained nothing in return. Instead of retrying what already failed, @POTUS should work with Congress to develop a strategy to properly combat this state sponsor of terrorism.”

Gallagher (R-WI) 2/5: Tweet – “Important read by my friend @Doranimated. If the Biden Administration reverses course to rejoin the Iran Nuclear Deal, we will squander the gains of the past four years and only further embolden the Iranian regime.” [linked to WSJ – “In the Mideast, Biden Returns to Abnormal”]

…Re: Jerusalem Embassy

Inhofe (R-OK) 2/11: Tweet – “Encouraging to see @POTUS agree with @SenatorHagerty, me and 95 other Senators in ensuring our U.S. Embassy remains in Jerusalem— the capital of Israel. Looking forward to once again visiting the embassy and our friends in Israel in the future.” [Linked to White House confirms Biden will keep embassy in Jerusalem (Roll Call)]

Lummis (R-WY) 2/11: Tweet – “Credit where it’s due: President Trump made the bold decision to finally move the U.S. Embassy to Israel, and President Biden should be commended for his decision to keep it there. Thx @SenatorHagerty for pushing this issue.” [Linked to White House confirms Biden will keep embassy in Jerusalem (Roll Call)] [NOTE: Deleted tweet. Why? Who knows] https://t.co/ZIcazYnG5d

Cammack (R-FL) 2/9: Tweet – “#Israel has been a linchpin of regional security in the #MiddleEast for decades. Moving the embassy back to Tel Aviv disregards our commitment to making the ‘eternal capital’ a priority for our two nations. I signed this letter to Sec. Blinken. See more below.” [linked to Tweet about last week’s Biggs (R-AZ) letter re: keeping embassy in Jerusalem]

Miller (R-WV) 2/6: Tweet – “Maintaining our relationship with Israel is paramount to achieving continued stability with our allies in the Middle East, which is why I joined my colleagues in urging @SecBlinken to keep the U.S. Embassy in Israel’s ‘eternal capital’. I will always stand with Israel.”

Hagerty (R-TN) 2/6: Tweet – “It’s a simple question: either you stand with 97 bi-partisan Senators and our friend Israel or you don’t. The @WhiteHouse must answer if it supports keeping the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.”

Hagerty (R-TN) 2/5: Tweet – “I stood up for Israel — one of our most important allies — last night on the Senate floor and so did 96 other colleagues. Why won’t the @WhiteHouse do the same?”

Kustoff (R-TN) 2/5: Tweet – “The decision to move the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem sent a powerful message to the world that the US officially recognizes Jerusalem as the unequivocal capital of Israel. I joined @RepAndyBiggsAZ to urge @SecBlinken to stand by Israel & keep the US Embassy in Jerusalem.”

…Re: General

Salazar (R-FL) 2/9: Tweet – “BREAKING – Proud to announce that I have been selected to serve on the @HouseForeign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East! I look forward to working with my colleagues to counter terrorism & strengthen our alliance with the democratic, Jewish State of #Israel”

Guest (R-MS) 2/8: Tweet – “We must continue to stand with Israel. I have asked @POTUS to support Israel in his Administration’s foreign policy, and I will continue to be a voice for our greatest ally in the Middle East.” [apropos of what? Who knows.]

Tlaib (D-MI) 2/7: Tweet – “It’s clear that Israel is targeting human rights defenders. Instead of addressing the growing number of international human rights violations, Israeli leaders rather intimidate, harrass, and suppress people’s right to speak up against injustices.” [Linked to Tweet/article – “An Israeli military court could send anti-apartheid activist @Issaamro to jail next week for among other absurd charges using the word ‘stupid’ with a soldier. @PhilWeiss”]

McCollum (D-MN) 2/5: Tweet – “30 human rights organizations reiterate my call for the Biden administration to investigate the pattern of Israeli state-sponsored military violence against Palestinian children, including the recent killing of 15-year-old Ali Abu Aliya.” Linked to the groups’ letter here.

Articles and Reports Related to the Hill

…In General

Jewish Insider 2/11: An Ohio special election highlights the Democratic divide [“The contrast between the two candidates becomes more stark around Israel, a topic that is increasingly a point of tension within the Democratic Party. While Brown is quick to cast herself as a strong supporter of the Jewish state, having recently visited on a trip sponsored by the AIPAC-affiliated American Israel Education Foundation, Turner calls for conditioning aid to Israel and avoids clarifying her own personal position on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. ‘From a foundational perspective, it’s just a free speech issue for me,’ Turner said of BDS. ‘I haven’t taken it any further than that.’…Brown rejects the BDS movement, supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and opposes withholding or conditioning aid to Israel. ‘I believe Biden said it was outrageous to leverage that, and I agree,’ she said. ‘We can have disagreements without threatening financial penalties, and that approach does not promote the special relationship that I think that we share with Israel.’”]

Haaretz 2/11: Forget the Politicians: This U.S. Lawmaker Thinks High-tech Can Bring Israelis and Palestinians Together

Free Beacon 2/11: Republican Leaders Slam Biden for Not Calling Israeli PM Netanyahu

JTA 2/10: Ohio’s Josh Mandel announces third run for Senate, pushing ‘America First’ agenda

Jewish Insider 2/10: Luria: U.S. must include regional allies in Iran negotiations

Jewish Insider 2/9: New HFAC vice chair Malinowski lays out committee priorities [“Malinowski emphatically dismissed concerns that the Biden’s administration’s State Department could take a more hostile posture toward Israel as a result of Malley’s appointment and speculation that Matt Duss, a foreign policy advisor to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), may also be headed to Foggy Bottom. ‘The policy is going to be set by the president with strong support from Secretary Blinken and National Security Adviser [Jake] Sullivan. All of them are strongly pro-Israel and well known to supporters of Israel,’ Malinowski emphasized. ‘They are all open to surrounding themselves with folks who have different points of view to their right, to their left… But I would not be concerned about the fundamental commitment of this administration to the U.S. relationship with Israel or to any other core principles that President Biden embraced during the campaign and over his long career.’”]

Times of Israel 2/9: After controversies, N. Carolina Republican reaches out to Jewish constituents [“…Cawthorn also made a point of mentioning his support for Israel, according to people who attended. Jackson said she told him he also needed to focus on the more immediate concerns of his Jewish constituents. ‘Our goal is not Israel today, our goal is western North Carolina,’ she said. ‘More than saying you’re going to vote for Israel in the Congress, vote for us.’”]

Times of Israel 2/9: Congresswoman who said Hitler ‘right on one thing’ meets rabbis who defended her [“The group said it had probed Miller in the meeting on her views on Israel and the movement to boycott Israel. Miller had noted in her earlier apology that she is ‘passionately pro-Israel.’”]

Haaretz 2/9: ‘Greene Equals Omar’: Inside the Republicans’ Phony War on Antisemitism

Al-Monitor 2/8: Congress votes to make US Embassy move to Jerusalem permanent

Jewish Insider 2/8: All but three senators vote for Jerusalem Embassy amendment

Jewish Insider 2/8: Madison Cawthorn finally meets with Jewish community leaders [“When Cawthorn brought up his support for Israel, however, Jackson recalled that some attendees were quick to point out that Jewish community members aren’t so monolithic that their views on Israel are all the same.”]

Times of Israel 2/6: Democrat lawmaker backtracks on claim Israel ‘burning down Palestinian villages’