FMEP Legislative Round-Up February 27, 2026

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 Podcasts:

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(CONDITIONS ON MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL) HR 7645 [bill text]: Introduced 2/23/26 by Casten (D-IL) and 25 Democratic cosponsors, “To prohibit the use of United States-origin defense articles in the West Bank and Gaza unless certain conditions are met, and for other purposes,” aka the “Ceasefire Compliance Act.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see from Casten: press release; section-by-section explanation; two-page summary; X-thread. Also see:

(TARGETING THE GOVT OF IRAN) HR 7622: Introduced 2/20/26 by Lawler (R-NY) and 6 bipartisan cosponsors, “To support human rights and internet freedom in Iran and hold the Iranian regime accountable for the repression of the Iranian people.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and  the Committee on Financial Services. Also see: Bipartisan House legislation aims to break through communications restrictions in Iran (Jewish News Syndicate 2/24/26)

(TARGETING THE GOVT OF IRAN) S. 3900: Introduced 2/24/26 by McCormick (R-PA) and Rosen (D-NV), “A bill to promote human rights, internet freedom and accountability in Iran, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release – Rosen, McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Internet Access for Iranian Civilians and Combat Iran’s Human Rights Abuses

(VOTE ON IRAN MILITARY ACTION) Some developments this week:

(TARGETING US 501c3 SECTOR) S. 3942: Introduced 2/26/26 by Cruz (R-TX) and Budd (R-NC), “A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that 501(c)(3) organizations are liable for the use of funding provided as a fiscal sponsor.” Referred to the Committee on Finance.

(DOUBLING DOWN ON REALLY IDIOTIC, MANUFACTURED ISLAMOPHOBIC BS) HR 7611: Introduced 2/20/26 by Fine (R-FL) and 12 Republican cosponsors, the “Protecting Puppies from Sharia Act.” [REMINDER: There is not a single Muslim country in the world that as a matter of policy or law targets dogs or bans people from keeping them as pets in their homes.] Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Also see: Fine X-post w/ video clip – “BREAKING: I have introduced the Protecting Puppies from Sharia Act. This legislation does the following: – Bans funding for any city or state that says you can’t own a dog. – Ensures American citizens have the right to own a dog. We’re not going to let Mainstream Islamists tell us that we’re not allowed to have dogs.”

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Legislation-related media:

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

None.

 

4. Selected Members on the Record

IRAN WAR IN THE AIR

Many, many members posted online this week about Iran – pro-war, anti-war, and using possible US military attack as hook to make political points about other issues. Check members’ websites and social media accounts to see what they’re saying. Also see this handy resource compiled by the Center for International Policy: LAWMAKER STATEMENTS OPPOSING AN UNAUTHORIZED ATTACK ON IRAN [if anyone has seen a compilation of pro-war statements by lawmakers, please send it to me so I can link it here, too].

Another American Killed by Israeli Settlers in the West Bank

  • Tlaib (D-MI) 2/23/26: X-post – “The Israeli apartheid regime and its settler gangs have murdered yet another U.S. citizen in the West Bank, and our government does absolutely nothing. Justice for Nasrallah Abu Siyam. Killings like this will keep happening until we stop funding genocide and apartheid.“
  • Evans (D-PA) 2/22/26: X-post – “I send my condolences to the family of Nasrallah Abu Siyam, a U.S. citizen born in Philadelphia, and I call for an independent investigation into this tragedy.” Linked to BBC article, Family of Palestinian-American man killed in West Bank demand accountability
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 2/21/26: X-post – “Another Palestinian American murdered by Israeli settlers. Nasrallah Abu Siyam deserves justice.    Everyone in Congress must stop turning a blind eye to the horrors happening to Palestinians, including American citizens, due to Israel-sanctioned settler violence. We must hold the Israeli government accountable. Not one more dollar, not one more excuse. Let’s start by passing Block the Bombs.“
  • Kim (D-NJ) 2/20/26: X-post – “The death of Nasrallah Abu Siyam, a 19-year-old American citizen from our region, is a tragedy and there must be an independent investigation into this incident.“

Huckabee, Tucker, Greater Israel, Etc.

  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 2/25/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Amb Huckabee made headlines for saying it’d be ‘fine’ if Israel took over the West Bank & all the land he says God gave Israel 3,500 yrs ago. Last year, I asked him if Palestinians living there would have equal political & legal rights. See for yourself his inability to answer.“
  • Stutzman (R-IN) 2/23/25: X-post – “.@TuckerCarlson made wild false accusations in his interview with @GovMikeHuckabee, and showed very little respect for our great Ambassador. I’ve lost all respect for him“
  • Levin (D-CA) 2/22/26: X-post – “Let’s call this what it is: stealing BILLIONS from the American people. $10 BILLION of taxpayer money. No Congressional approval. No explanation. Just Trump writing checks at yet another building he took over and renamed after himself.” Linked to Washington Post article, Trump vows $10 billion contribution to his own Board of Peace
  • Stutzman (R-IN) 2/21/26: X-post – “I used to respect @TuckerCarlson but after watching his interview of @GovMikeHuckabee I am appalled. Tucker gave ample platform and time to Nick Fuentes to share his anti-Semitic vitriol, but constantly interrupted, was impatient, disingenuous, argumentative and disrespectful to Huckabee. Ambassador Huckabee was nothing but gracious and kind. Carlson suggesting all ‘Jews’ do a DNA test in order to live in Israel is repulsive and smacks of ignorance regarding the oldest faith practice in the world combined with the worst kind of exclusionary prejudice and elitism. @TuckerCarlson is intentionally divisive with an obvious anti-modern Israel agenda when it comes to the Bible, Christianity and the deep roots of America‘s friendship with the Jewish people.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 2/21/26: X-post – “Thank you @GovMikeHuckabee for your humiliating takedown of @TuckerCarlson last night. You got him to state that he believes Jews should have to get DNA tests to prove they are Jewish and that he cares so little for his own daughters that he would not kill Muslim terrorists in order to save them from rape and murder. I believe this interview will be seen as the moment where Tuckerian Groyperism “jumped the shark.” Thank you for being a spiritual successor to the Righteous Among the Nations.”

Targeting Palestinians & Those Who Defends Their Lives/Rights

  • Fetterman (D-PA) 2/26/26; X-post – “Francesca Albanese is a raging antisemite and a Hamas sympathizer. Her position at the UN is compatible with the UN’s deep and broad bias against Israel. She rightly earned those sanctions and is better fit for Hamas’ PR department.” With pic of AP headline, Family of UN human rights investigator sues Trump administration over sanctions for Israel criticism
  • Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 2/26/26: X-post – “I commend President @DanielNoboaOk’s decision to withdraw from the anti-Israel committee, reinforcing Ecuador’s commitment to principled leadership and strengthening U.S.–Ecuador defense and security cooperation.”
  • Salazar (R-FL) 2/25/26: X-post – “I applaud Ecuador’s decision to withdraw from the UN’s CEIRPP, a committee that for decades has served as a platform for anti-Israel propaganda. It has distorted the conflict and hindered serious efforts toward a real and lasting peace. Last November, I wrote to President @DanielNoboaOk urging Ecuador to oppose the resolution. Today, Ecuador shows leadership and moral clarity. The UN should not be in the business of institutionalizing bias.“
  • Sheehy (R-MT) 2/25/26: X-post – “The Hamas Caucus was a national embarrassment last night. Jeering at the memory of Israeli hostages and families being slaughtered. Defending illegal immigrant murderers as their victim’s family stood in the gallery. I can’t imagine the pain Jacqueline Medina felt watching lawmakers refuse to acknowledge the death of her daughter. And, of course, great warriors like Eric Slover being disrespected. This may not have been the tone of all the Democrats last night, but it sure was the behavior of these two terrorist sympathizers.” With pic of Reps. Omar (D-MN) and Tlaib (D-MI) at the State of the Union.
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 2/23/26: X-post – “This is Leqaa’s second Ramadan in a cage. Why? They didn’t like her advocacy for Palestinian human rights. Her mother is a US Citizen and her daughter Leqaa was recently hospitalized. Where is the outrage?“
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 2/20/26: X-post – “Right now, there are thousands of Palestinians in Israeli prisons being held without charge. Now the Israeli government wants to administer capital punishment to those denied both their freedom and due process. Whether through bombs, displacement, famine, or the death penalty, Israel is committing a genocide against Palestinians. Congress can assert its authority and end its complicity in these horrors. Not one more dollar. Not one more excuse. Not one more bomb.“

AIPAC/Israel in US Elex

  • Bilirakis (R-FL) 2/27/26: X-post – “This week, I had the meaningful opportunity to meet with constituents from across the Tampa Bay region who shared their heartfelt and unwavering belief that the United States must continue to stand firmly and proudly alongside Israel. They spoke with clarity and conviction about the importance of the U.S.–Israel alliance – a partnership grounded in shared democratic values, mutual security interests, and decades of strong cooperation. It was important for them to ensure their voices were heard and that America’s commitment to our ally remains resolute. I am always grateful to engage in thoughtful dialogue with members of our community who care deeply about America’s role on the global stage and the strength of our enduring alliances.“
  • Lawler (R-NY) 2/25/26: X-post – “Thank you to AIPAC for coming in for a great conversation on U.S.–Israel defense relations and the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act — a bipartisan effort to stand with the Iranian people in their fight for human rights, democracy, and basic freedoms, while holding the Islamic Republic accountable for decades of repression.“
  • Barr (R-KY) 2/25/26: X-post – “It was terrific to catch up with Dr. @yechielleiter, Israeli Ambassador to the United States, to reaffirm the United States alliance with the State of Israel and deter aggression from Iran, and its terrorist proxies. @IsraelinUSA“
  • Cuellar (D-TX) 2/25/26: X-post – “This week, I met with @AIPAC members, alongside my Defense Fellow, Fady Antoon, to discuss evolving security challenges in the Middle East, U.S.–Israel security assistance and defense cooperation, and concerns surrounding Iran’s destabilizing activities and nuclear ambitions. We had a thoughtful conversation about current developments and what they mean for U.S. interests abroad. I appreciate the opportunity to hear these important perspectives and to discuss how Congress can continue advancing policies that keep our nation safe.“
  • Finstad (R-MN) 2/25/26: X-post – “Great to meet with leaders from @AIPAC to discuss the evolving security landscape in the Middle East and the importance of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know how critical our security partnerships are and will continue working to strengthen cooperation with our ally Israel and advance policies that keep America safe.“
  • Sanders (I-VT) 2/24/26: X-post – “Corporate super PACs are trying to buy the 2026 elections. AIPAC: $96 million AI: $150 million Crypto: $193 million This is not democracy. It’s oligarchy. We must end Citizens United and establish public financing of elections.“
  • Khanna (D-CA) v. AIPAC 2/23/26 – 2/25/26: Khanna X-post w/ video clip – “Today, I’m calling on the DNC to release the full 2024 autopsy report. We need to deal with the hard truths about the genocide in Gaza.” AIPAC response –  “.@RoKhanna isn’t seeking facts — he’s seeking cover to repeat a modern blood libel.” Khanna response – “You guys still around?” AIPAC response – “Always will be. You demonize. We unite. You destroy. We build. You lie. We rise.“
  • Khanna (D-CA) vs. David Frum, with comment from CIP’s Dylan Williams  2/24/26: Khanna X-post (responding to AIPAC) – ” “You guys still around?” Frum‘s response – “A question that has been repeatedly asked in dozens of now forgotten languages over the past 3,000 years.” Williams‘ comment: “Equating the antidemocratic warmongers at AIPAC with the Jewish people is antisemitic, dude.”
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 2/24/26: X-post – “Proudly welcomed @AIPAC and a survivor of the Bondi Beach massacre—a living reminder of the global scourge of antisemitism. My voice and vote will always stand with and support the global Jewish community and our special ally.”
  • McCormick (R-PA) 2/24/26: X-post – “Great discussion this morning with my colleague @SenJackyRosen at @AIPAC’s Congressional Summit. I stand unequivocally with our ally Israel and support a strong diplomatic approach toward countries in the Middle East—especially in light of ongoing tensions with the Iranian regime and its support for regional terror proxies that threaten stability and lasting peace around the world.“
  • Ciscomani (R-AZ) 2/24/26: X-post – “Thank you @AIPAC for the important update on the threats facing the USA and Israel as a result of Iran and its funding of international terror organizations. Supporting the people of Iran and putting pressure on the government is key to regional stability.“
  • Garbarino (R-NY) 2/24/26: X-post – “I was glad to meet with leaders in town for the annual @AIPAC Policy Conference. We discussed preventing Hamas and Hezbollah from regaining strength, unrest in Iran, and the disturbing rise of antisemitism here at home. The Jewish community must always know we stand with them, both here on Long Island and across the country.“
  • Sanders (I-VT) 2/23/26: X-post – “Now more than ever, we need Members of Congress who will say: “No, I won’t take your dark money. No, I won’t take your AI money. No, I won’t take your AIPAC money. Because I answer to the people, not the oligarchs.” @JunaidForUs is that type of leader.“
  • Hagerty (R-TN) 2/20/26: X-post – “It was an honor to speak at the Judeo-Christian Zionist Leaders Congress in Nashville this week. The bonds of alliance between the United States and our friends in Israel remain stronger than ever.“

Praising Trump at SOTU for Bringing Peace to the Middle East!

  • Van Epps (R-TN) 2/24/26: X-post – “The state of our union is stronger, more prosperous, and more respected than ever before because President @realDonaldTrump’s leadership. Tonight’s #SOTU address should be incredible! From the creation and expansion of the Abraham Accords and getting every single hostage back from Hamas to taking decisive action against the Iranian regime, @realDonaldTrump is the most pro-Israel president in history. #SOTU2026“
  • Bacon (R-NE) 2/24/26: X-post – “Getting all the hostages returned home from Gaza was a great accomplishment for the Administration.“
  • Johnson (R-LA) 2/24/26: X-post – “I am honored and grateful to host an incredible group of guests for President Trump’s State of the Union Address. Here’s who will be joining tonight…On May 21, 2025, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were murdered on the streets of Washington, D.C. These two young diplomats of the Israeli Embassy, devoted to the cause of peace and to one another, had their futures stolen in a violent act of antisemitism. Yaron’s brother, Hanan Lischinsky, has shown remarkable courage in shedding light on the extremism that took his brother’s life. I am honored to invite him as my guest for President Trump’s State of the Union address…”
  • LaLota (R-NY) 2/24/26: X-post – “Israel has shown the world what resilience looks like. We must continue to stand by our greatest ally in the Middle East. By confronting threats and leading with strength, America can maintain the stability that President Trump helped advance across the region.“
  • Dean (R-PA) 2/24/26: X-post – “The hostages are all finally home. Now is the time for peace — for Israelis and Palestinians. President Trump — I urge you to stay committed to long-term stability in Israel and Gaza.“
  • Mace (R-SC) 2/24/26: X-post – “President Trump is the President of Peace, from Operation Midnight Hammer to a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza.”
  • Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 2/24/26: X-post – “Grateful to President @realDonaldTrump for having secured the release of the 20 living Israeli hostages after two excruciating years marked by depravity, horror, and unimaginable pain in Hamas terrorist captivity. We honor the lives lost and continue to pray for every grieving family.“
  • Salazar (R-FL) 2/24/26: X-post – “Thank you @POTUS for finally ending the nightmare for the Israeli hostages and their families, and getting them ALL back. By restoring American strength, we’ve seen 8 global conflicts ENDED. The President’s diplomatic negotiations have saved thousands of lives, and changed the course of history. America is strong again!“

UAE  & Saudi Arabia

  • Warren (D-MA) 2/26/26: X-post w/video clip – “Trump’s own bank regulator is reviewing the Trump family’s application to form a crypto bank. A company tied to the UAE’s top spy is a co-owner. The public deserves transparency, so I asked to see the unredacted application. Here’s his response:”
  • Murphy (D-CT) 2/24/26: X-post – “The UAE secretly paid Trump $187 million. Money in his pocket personally. And then Trump overrode decades of national security objections to selling Nvidia chips to UAE because we feared UAE would send the chips to China. Corruption has consequences.“
  • Sherman (D-CA) 2/24/26: press release – Congressman Brad Sherman Sounds Alarm on Potential Saudi Nuclear Deal; Moves to Require Tough Safeguards
  • Sherman (D-CA) 2/24/26: X-post – “At today’s @HouseForeign I made clear: any U.S.-Saudi civil nuclear deal must meet the strongest safeguards, or risk a nuclear-armed Saudi. That’s why I’m reintroducing the Sherman-Rubio ‘No Nuclear Weapons for Saudi Arabia Act’ which I introduced with then-Sen. Rubio in 2018.“

Islamophobia Inc. & Pushback

  • Self (R-TX) 2/24/26: X-post – “Qatar has joined the U.S. led Pax Silica initiative — State Department’s flagship effort on AI and supply chain security. But Texans still deserve answers about Saudi and Qatari funding tied to Islamization efforts in our state. Economic alignment doesn’t cancel out legitimate security concerns about Sharia in our nation.“
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 2/22/26: X-post – “We CANNOT allow the United States to become the “United Caliphate of America.” SHARIA LAW HAS NO PLACE HERE.“
  • Magaziner (D-RI) 2/21/26: X-post – “Rep. Randy Fine’s insults toward Muslims are abhorrent. I, along with all 21 members of the Congressional Jewish Caucus, stand to condemn this Islamophobic rhetoric, which has no place in Congress or anywhere else.“
  • Fine (R-FL) 2/21/26: X-post w/ video clip – “There are 57 other countries in the world where you can go be Sharia compliant and not have a dog. It’s my job to ensure that America does not become the 58th country.” FACT CHECK: No Muslim country on earth bans dogs as pets.
  • Gill (R-TX) 2/20/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Importing people from unassimilable cultures is idiotic and suicidal.“

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – North Carolina

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Maine

  • Jewish Insider 2/26/26: Graham Platner boosts antisemitic conspiracy theorist online [NOTE: Platner did not boost antisemitic conspiracy theory; he quote-posted a post (accompanied by a video clip of Trump’s SOTU address) reading: “War with Iran is the only thing Republicans and Democrats have both given a standing ovation for”. For folks who don’t use X, it is worth noting that X’s algorithm pushes–for its own reasons–posts to users from accounts that the users don’t follow. Platner, for the record, follows a grand total of 9 accounts; the person who posted the (non-offensive) post Platner quote-posted is NOT among those Platner follows. Meaning that the explanation given by Platner’s spokesperson, that he quote-posted it without knowing anything about the poster, is not merely plausible but is the most obvious explanation. The fact that Platner deleted the post immediately after learning that the poster is problematic .]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan

Iran

Saudi Arabia & Gulf

Rep. Fine (R-FL) Makes Headlines for Islamophobic Post

Other stuff