FMEP Legislative Round-Up February 7, 2025

Resource

February 7, 2025

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

2/4/25: “Centering Human Life, Disrupting Injustice Without Replicating It”: Introducing 2025 FMEP Fellow Hilary Rantisi
1/31/25: Mapping Life & Land: Beirut Urban Lab – FMEP Fellow Dr. Nour Joudah speaks with Ahmad Gharbieh, professor at the American University of Beirut and co-founder of the Beirut Urban Lab

1. Bills & Resolutions

TARGETING FREE SPEECH/RIGHT TO PROTEST ISRAEL/ZIONISM

(LEGISLATING THE IHRA DEFINITION OF ANTISEMITISM) HR 1007: Introduced 2/5/25 by Lawler (R-NY) and 58 cosponsors (44 Republicans and 14 Democrats), “To provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities, and for other purposes,” aka, the “Antisemitism Awareness Act.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Press releases: Gottheimer Helps Lead Reintroduction of Bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act; Sherman and Colleagues Reintroduce the Antisemitism Awareness Act

Also see:

For background on this legislation (which has been introduced numerous times and which has nothing to do with fighting antisemitism, and everything to do with delegitimizing and suppressing campus free speech/activism critical of Israel), see this compendium of resources.
For a deep dive into the history/objectives of this legislation, see this article (by me). Also see my evergreen X-post (posted 3/21/23): “The battle over the IHRA definition of antisemitism, in a nutshell: ‘you have to define it to fight it’ = ‘you have to define all meaningful criticism of Israel/its policies/ Zionism as ‘antisemitism’ in order to suppress it, because we can’t win the arguments otherwise.'”
REMINDER: This Antisemitism Awareness Act was passed by the House on 5/1/24, in the form of HR 6090. As covered extensively in the Round-Up from May-December 2024, passage of HR 6090 sparked far-reaching opposition from across the political spectrum, including from across the right-side of the political spectrum — for receipts see this compendium: Statements & Analyses Opposing Federal IHRA legislation (2024). Ultimately, despite a months-long campaign by pro-AAA actors targeting Schumer (D-NY), including intense media pressure, the bill died in the Senate — due in part to opposition (mainly from the Right) and in part to House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) refusing to cooperate with Schumer’s (D-NY) 11th hour effort to attach the bill to a piece of must-pass legislation (which would have enabled it to pass without Democrats being forced into a scored vote for/against it).
With respect to the Senate, note: Schumer to co-sponsor Antisemitism Awareness Act in the Senate (Jewish Insider 2/5/25)
Media: Lawler, Gottheimer to reintroduce Antisemitism Awareness Act – Companion legislation in the Senate is expected soon from Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) (Jewish Insider 2/5/25); Bipartisan House group reintroduces Antisemitism Awareness Act (Jewish News Syndicate 2/5/25); Gottheimer Helps Lead Reintroduction of Bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act (Insider NJ 2/5/25)
Supporting: ADL Welcomes Re-Introduction of Antisemitism Awareness Act, Pushes for Immediate Passage in Congress (Anti-Defamation League 2/5/25); CAM Welcomes Reintroduction of Antisemitism Awareness Act (Combat Antisemitism Movement 2/5/25)
Opposing: Statement on Reintroduction of the Antisemitism Awareness Act (2-6-2025)(New Jewish Narrative)
Sherman (D-CA) on X: “Proud to join @RepMikeLawler and @RepJoshG in reintroducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act to finally use IHRA’s definition of #antisemitism in antidiscrimination laws. You can’t fight what you can’t define. The Jewish community has been clear: we must adopt the IHRA definition. (1/2) Contrary to lies told about IHRA, it clearly states ‘criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country can’t be regarded as antisemitic.’ But calling to destroy the only Jewish state, which Hamas sought to do on #October7th is antisemitic in theory and in practice. (2/2)“

(THE RETURN OF THE ISRAEL ANTI-BOYCOTT ACT) HR 867: Introduced 1/31/25 by Lawler (R-NY) and currently having 19 cosponsors (15 Republicans and 4 Democrats), “To amend the Anti-Boycott Act of 2018 to apply the provisions of that Act to international governmental organizations,” aka, the “IGO Anti-Boycott Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Key things to know about HR 867:

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

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

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

Also see:

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

CONGRESS *HEARTS* GREATER ISRAEL

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

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

Other Stuff

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

Moskowitz Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Counter a Nuclear-Armed Iran;
Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Bicameral Resolution to Keep All Options on the Table to Counter a Nuclear-Armed Iran (Graham, R-SC, 1/31/25)
Lawler (R-NY) X-post 2/6/25: “A nuclear-armed Iran is a threat to Israel and the world. We must keep all options on the table to address this crisis. Proud to work with Senators Graham, Fetterman, and Britt, as well as Rep. Moskowitz, to send a clear message to Iran about the consequences of their actions.“
U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Lindsey Graham: U.S. Can’t Allow Iran to Obtain Nuclear Weapon
Lawler Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution to Keep All Options on the Table to Counter a Nuclear-Armed Iran; also Lawler X-post 2/6/25 – “A nuclear-armed Iran is a threat to Israel and the world. We must keep all options on the table to address this crisis. Proud to work with Senators Graham, Fetterman, and Britt, as well as Rep. Moskowitz, to send a clear message to Iran about the consequences of their actions.“

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

2. Letters

2/6/25: Risch, Ricketts, Foreign Relations Committee Republicans Call for Sanctions on Communist China for Transferring Missile Propellants to Iran [letter text]
2/5/25: Ricketts, Foreign Relations Committee Republicans Call for Sanctions on Communist China for Transferring Missile Propellants to Iran [letter text]
1/30/25: Republican Jewish Coalition backs Elbridge Colby for top Pentagon post (Jewish Insider); letter text [to the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee]

3. Hearings

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

4. Selected Members on the Record

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

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

On Bibi’s Visit to the Hill

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

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

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

On UNRWA and other Gaza-related matters

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

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

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

Mike Huckabee as next US Amb to Israel

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

Iran

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

On Other Stuff

Cuellar (R-TX) 2/6/25: X-post – “I had the pleasure of meeting with representatives from the US Israel Education Association today. We discussed the US-Israel relationship, and I am looking forward to working with them in the future.“
Gottheimer (D-NJ) 2/5/25: X-post – “I’m glad to see that @united is resuming non-stop flights to Tel Aviv from @EWRairport, which I have been urging them to do for months. NJ will once again be just one non-stop flight away from our families and friends in Israel.“
Wahlberg (R-MI) 2/3/25: Chairman Walberg [Committee on Education and the Workforce] Applauds Education Department for Protecting Jewish Students on Campuses
Simon (D-CA) 2/2/25: Congresswoman Simon’s Statement on Recent Developments in Gaza
Lankford (R-OK) 1/31/25: Lankford, Fischer, Ricketts, and Sullivan Urge America to Stand with Israel

5. Selected Media

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

WCVB 2/6/25: Local Palestinians, Massachusetts lawmakers, react to President Trump’s proposal for Gaza
Jewish News Syndicate 2/6/25: Trump remarks on Gaza not cause for Democrat freakout, Fetterman says
Channel 4 News 2/5/25: X-post – “Donald Trump said ‘everybody loves’ his plan to move millions of Palestinians out of Gaza. But what do US Senators think about the idea?” VIDEO
New York Post 2/5/25: Sen. John Fetterman ‘fully’ supports Trump’s plan to send US troops to take over Gaza
Jewish News Syndicate 2/5/25: House Speaker Johnson praises Trump’s ‘bold action’ on Gaza
Times of Israel 2/5/25: US House speaker praises Trump’s Gaza plan as taking ‘bold action’
Times of Israel 2/5/25: ‘He’s lost it’: Trump call to take over Gaza blasted by Democrats, boosted by loyalists
Politico 2/4/25: Trump’s plan to ‘take over’ Gaza Strip confuses GOP lawmakers
Jewish Insider 2/4/25: Trump’s Gaza takeover plan met with bafflement, skepticism from Senate lawmakers [Graham (R-SC), Fetterman (D-PA), Tillis (R-NC), Paul (R-KY), Hawley (R-MO), Johnson (R-LA), Coons (D-DE), Blumenthal (D-CT), Kaine (D-VA), Schatz (D-HI), Murphy (D-CT), Schiff (D-CA), Kelly (D-AZ)]
New York Times 2/4/25: Trump’s Proposal to ‘Take Over’ Gaza Sparks Immediate Rebukes [incl comments from Murphy, (D-CT) & Van Hollen (D-MD)]
Jewish Insider 2/4/25: From the Daily Kickoff – “Netanyahu will spend much of Thursday on Capitol Hill, first meeting with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and then members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, followed by a meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and House Foreign Affairs Committee members. There’s less of a focus on meeting with Democratic leaders, with the party now out of power in Washington and Netanyahu on the receiving end of much criticism from them in recent years. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), but has no meeting on the calendar with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Schumer’s office did not respond to a question about whether he will be meeting with the Israeli prime minister.“

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

Jewish Insider 2/6/25: Schumer says Trump’s ICC executive order removes provisions Democrats objected to [“This EO seems to include the strong provisions that go after the ICC on Israel, but does not include the problematic extraneous provisions unrelated to Israel,’ a Schumer spokesperson said”]
Jewish Insider 2/6/25: Netanyahu presses Senate lawmakers to pass ICC sanctions legislation [“Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said that Senate Democrats again pushed for compromise legislation”]
Jewish News Syndicate 2/6/25: ‘Unqualified support’ for Israel, bipartisan Senate leaders tell Netanyahu [“‘The friendship between the United States and Israel strengthens both of our countries,’ stated Senate Majority Leader John Thune.”]
The Hill 2/4/25: Congress puts hold on Trump’s $1 billion arms sale to Israel
Jewish News Syndicate 2/4/25: Trump administration asks Congress to OK $1 billion arms sale to Israel
Jewish Insider 2/4/25: Netanyahu and Vance to meet [“Netanyahu also plans to push senators in his meetings on the Hill on Thursday with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to pass a law sanctioning the International Criminal Court for issuing warrants against him and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. ‘The ICC is very urgent for us,’ the source said. ‘We sent a clear message to congressional leaders and Netanyahu will be there in two days calling to pass [the bill]. He didn’t like that it was delayed. It’s very important for us to advance it.’ Netanyahu hopes that the bill ‘will slow down the ICC proceedings’ against him and Gallant.”]
The Forward 2/3/25: Jewish House Democrats: Netanyahu will impede ceasefire for political purposes
Times of Israel 2/3/25: Report: Trump administration asked Congress to approve $1 billion in weapons sales to Israel
Jewish News Syndicate 2/3/25: Netanyahu extends DC trip through Saturday, will meet with congressional leadership