FMEP Legislative Round-Up January 24, 2025

Resource

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

  • 1/23/25: The Escalation of Israel’s Gaza-fication of the West Bank, ft. FMEP’s Lara Friedman in conversation with preeminent journalist Dalia Hatuqa about the current realities of Israel violence carried out both by the Israeli military and Israeli civilians (settlers) against Palestinians in the West Bank — including the situation in the months leading up to 10/7/23; the dangerous deterioration of conditions following 10/7/23, through the onset of the current Hamas-Israel ceasefire in Gaza;  and the ongoing — rapid, dramatic — escalation of Israeli violence and destruction in the West Bank in the wake of that ceasefire.
  • 1/23/25: Genocide and self-involvement: on being Israeli as Israel commits a historic crime, ft. FMEP non-resident fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Israeli analyst/commentator/academic Ori Goldberg
  • 1/22/25: A toxic environment for those who dare to question, ft. FMEP fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Professor Katherine Franke

Also see:

1. Bills & Resolutions

Update

  • (TARGETING THE ICC) HR 23: On 1/23/25, a cloture motion was presented in the Senate on the motion to proceed with consideration of HR 23, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act. Also see: Thune tees up Senate vote on International Criminal Court sanctions [“The bill, which received bipartisan support in the House, will need votes from at least seven Democratic senators to pass“] (Jewish Insider 1/23/25); X-thread 1/24/25 from Senate Republicans – “In 2020, the International Criminal Court started investigating American troops. Last year, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu. If the corrupt ICC succeeds in targeting Israel, Americans will be next. Our ICC sanctions bill will protect American troops. That’s why every House Republican, 45 House Democrats, and 55% of Americans support sanctions. But some Democrat Senators still have concerns—all of those concerns are misguided. Critics have called the ICC sanctions bill “draconian.” Far from draconian, the same standard property and visa restrictions were used 49 times by the Obama and Biden administrations. Some believe the ICC bill targets “citizens of our allies” and that it could undermine our alliances. But the bill only targets officials directly involved in action against the United States and our allies–and no ally of ours values the ICC more than the United States. Finally, other critics think that sanctioning the ICC will harm its prosecution of war crimes. But the ICC has already failed to prosecute the worst war crimes of Putin, Bashir, or Khamenei. Clearly, there are better ways to stop war criminals. The ICC sanctions bill is a targeted, justified response to the ICC’s outrageous attack on Israel and America. Sanctioning the ICC today will protect American troops and make America safer.AIPAC Action Alert.

New Legislation — Targeting Palestinians & Support for Palestinian Lives/Rights

New Legislation — Other Stuff

  • (MORE US-ISRAEL COOPERATION & FUNDING) HR 661: Introduced 1/23/25 by Buchanan (R-FL) and 2 cosponsors (bipartisan), “To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, the Council for Technology and Innovation of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to carry out a program to facilitate and coordinate efforts between the United States and Israel to expand and enhance collaboration on the development and delivery of health care products and services,” aka the “Maximizing Israel-U.S. Research Advancement and Collaborative Leadership in Emerging (MIRACLE) Medical Technology Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Also see: press release –Buchanan Introduces Bill to Bolster U.S.-Israel Healthcare Partnership [“...This legislation is supported by AIPAC, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S.–Israel Healthcare Collaboration Center, the Combat Antisemitism Movement and the Israeli-American Civic Action Network.“] Also see Buchanan X-post – “The U.S. must strengthen ties with Israel—our greatest ally in the Middle East and a healthcare tech leader—to support healthcare advancement. Pleased to introduce this bipartisan bill with @RepMMM and @RepDarrenSoto to promote innovation in healthcare.
  • (NO US MILITARY IN SYRIA)S. J. Res.6: Introduced 1/23/25 by Paul (R-KY), “A joint resolution directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in Syria that have not been authorized by Congress.”  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
  • (PROTECTING FREE SPEECH) S. 188 (bill text): Introduced 1/22/25 by Paul (R-KY) and 3 cosponsors (all Republicans), “A bill to prohibit Federal employees and contractors from directing online platforms to censor any speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and for other purposes,” aka the “Free Speech Protection Act.”  Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Also see: press release – Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Free Speech Protection Act to Safeguard Americans’ First Amendment Rights Against Government Censorship [Note: like President Trump’s recent executive order on free speech, this bill appears to contradict current policies, supported by both Congress and the Executive, targeting free speech critical of Israel…)
  • (PROTECTING THE US FROM IRAN) S. 197: Introduced 1/22/25 by Cruz (R-TX) and 6 cosponsors (all Republicans), “A bill to require the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to review any purchase or lease of real estate near a military installation or military airspace in the United States by a foreign person connected to or subsidized by the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and for other purposes.”  Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Also see: press release – Sen. Cruz, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Military Installations from Adversary Land Purchases

2. Letters

(MAXIMUM PRESSURE ON IRAN) 1/14/25: Senior House Republican urges leaders to prioritize maximum-pressure sanctions on Iran –Rep. Joe Wilson’s letter encourages quick passage of legislation that would also block a new Iran deal (Jewish Insider 1/23/25) [letter text]

3. Hearings

Confirmation-hearings-palooza!

January 30, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a business meeting to consider the nomination of Elise Stefanik as US Ambassador to the UN.

January 21, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing to consider the nomination of Elise Stefanik as US Ambassador to the UN.

UPDATE — January 20, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a business meeting at which they voted to advance the nomination of Marco Rubio as U.S. Secretary of State to the full Senate. Also on 1/20/25, the Senate voted to confirm Rubio as the new Secretary of State by a vote of 99-0.

January 17, 2025: The Senate Homeland Security Committee held a hearing to consider the nomination of Kristi Noem to be Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Lots of posts/statements in support of the release of Israeli hostages from Gaza (no similar interest in the release of Palestinians, including women and children, being held by Israel without charges/due process). Also lots of statements (mainly from Republicans) cheering the return of Trump and celebrating his and their support for Israel. Check members’ websites and social media accounts to see what specific members said.

Praising Trump for Restoring FTO status of Houthis’

West Bank Escalation

  • McCollum (D-MN) 1/23/25: X-thread – “While the attention of the world has rightfully been focused on Gaza, concerning developments are taking place in the West Bank. A wave of violence is sweeping across the territory as extremist Israeli settlers attack Palestinians and vandalize property. Donald Trump promised peace. Instead, one of his first moves was to rescind sanctions against extremist Israeli settler groups and individuals who are accused of violence against Palestinians. This threatens to unravel the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 1/23/25: X-post“Peace is delicate, and in this moment of transition, we all need international journalists to keep us informed about what’s happening in Palestine and Israel. We must continue to demand press access and ensure the safety of journalists in Gaza and the West Bank.”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) et al 1/23/25: Van Hollen, DeLauro, Durbin, Casten Release Statement on Trump’s Rescission of Biden’s West Bank Sanctions
  • McCollum (D-MN) 1/23/25: Congresswoman McCollum Statement on Settler Violence in the West Bank
  • Welch (D-VT) 1/22/25: X-post – “On his first day in office, President Trump revoked President Biden’s sanctions against West Bank extremists. Now, Israeli settlers have attacked two Palestinian villages, setting homes and vehicles on fire. This violent intimidation must stop.”

Targeting Free Speech/Protest for Palestinian Lives/Rights

  • Owens (R-UT) 1/22/25: X-post – “They are protesting the same thing they always protest: the existence of the State of Israel. You can tell because nobody is carrying a ‘two-state solution’ sign… instead they shout ‘intifada’ while wearing terrorist head scarfs.
  • House Committee on Education and the Workforce 1/21/25: X-post“Outrageous that masked students disrupted class at @Columbia, which receives billions in taxpayer dollars, to pass out flyers calling for the murder of Jews. Does Columbia understand that failing to combat antisemitism will no longer be tolerated in the Trump administration?”

Standing with Israel!

  • Jackson (R-TX) 1/23/25: X-post – “Thank you, @IsraelAllies Foundation for having me at your event — it’s always GREAT to see and meet the many incredible people involved with this organization. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be named Co-Chair of the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus and look forward to continuing the work necessary to help defend and protect our ally, Israel!
  • Smith (R-MS) 1/22/25: X-post – “Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East. Now that President Trump is in the White House, our President will finally support Israel and won’t appease Hamas terrorists.
  • Jackson (R-TX) 1/21/25: Rep. Jackson Named as Co-Chair of Congressional Israel Allies Caucus
  • Green (R-TN) 1/20/25: X-post – “Strong leadership is returning to the White House. President Trump will stand up to Iran and will stand with our indispensable ally, Israel.”

Double Down Against Iran!

  • Fetterman (D-PA) 1/19/25: X-post, responding to headline, “Graham calls for “decimation” of Iranian nuclear program after ceasefire“, Fetterman posted, “One Hundred Percent. 100%

Other Stuff

  • Senate Republicans 1/22/25: X-thread attacking Sen. Murphy (D-CT) — “Chris Murphy’s blocking John Ratcliffe’s confirmation as CIA Director puts Americans at risk. But it’s not the first time that @ChrisMurphyCT has put politics before safety. In fact, he has a long history of sympathizing with America’s enemies. According to Senator Murphy, the Houthi rebels that attacked American ships and shut down international trade in the Red Sea shouldn’t be designated as a terrorist organization. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a terrorist organization by any definition. But that’s of little concern to Chris Murphy, who wanted a deal with Iran so badly he supported removing them from the list of foreign terror organizations. Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American troops and was planning to attack more Americans. Chris Murphy opposed President Trump’s decision to eliminate him, calling the drone strike an ‘execution.’ Not only does Chris Murphy defend Iran, but he voted to cut off weapon sales to Israel. Even when Israel was facing an existential fight from Iran’s terrorist proxies. Chris Murphy has long supported open borders, even when Americans are harmed. He supported every one of Biden’s open border policies, and he opposed expanded background checks, and he opposed the Laken Riley Act. Instead of throwing a tantrum because his party lost the election, Chris Murphy should start showing some concern for the safety of Americans.”
  • Lawler (R-NY) 1/22/25: X-post“Last night, I spoke at the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus event hosted by the Israel Allies Foundation. It was an honor to join colleagues and world leaders dedicated to strengthening the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 1/22/25: X-post – “Enjoyed meeting with President Santiago Peña [Paraguay] to thank him for standing up for freedom, Israel and Taiwan and to discuss our countries’ partnership that will continue to grow with President Trump in office.
  • Wilson (R-SC) 1/22/25: X-post – “I am grateful that Israel has offered to transfer Russian weapons seized from Hezbollah terrorists to Ukraine. War Criminal Putin arms the world’s terrorists. Free peoples must work together to defeat the dictatorship Axis of Aggressors.”
  • Sherman (D-CA) 1/18/25: X-post – “Great to welcome brave Israeli firefighters to L.A. who have joined the effort to contain the #LosAngelesFires #Israel is not just sending firefighters but absorbing all costs to do so. </ @IsraelinLA”

5. Selected Media

Jewish Legacy Orgs’ Priorities for new Congress

  • Jewish Insider 1/24/25: AJC CEO Ted Deutch urges Trump to appoint White House antisemitism coordinator, develop new national strategy [“Deutch sat down with JI on Capitol Hill on Monday between meetings with House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Greg Meeks (D-NY) and first-term Sens. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Andy Kim (D-NJ). Deutch said he had an ‘excellent meeting’ with Walberg, who took over this month as chairman of the committee that last year held high-profile hearings with college presidents and issued a sweeping report on campus antisemitism. ‘Antisemitism is a severe problem on college campuses — and it’s only getting worse. I had a productive meeting with Ted to discuss how the Committee can work with partners like the AJC and the Trump administration to combat surging antisemitism on campus and keep Jewish students safe,’ Walberg said in a statement to JI. ‘As a former colleague, I know Ted will be an invaluable partner in that mission.’ Deutch said Walberg is ‘committed’ to continuing to tackle campus antisemitism both through ‘a range of potential legislative issues’ and in using the committee’s ‘convening authority’ to call forward university leaders and elevate the voices of Jewish students…Deutch added that he sees an opportunity for Walberg and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, to work together to ‘produce meaningful legislation.’…Deutch also said that his meetings with Meeks as well as House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R-FL) and other Hill leaders have made clear that there are ‘opportunities now to really envision a new Middle East, with Israel having normalized relations with more and more countries, to keep Israelis safe, to strengthen Israeli security and Israel’s economy, for the benefit of the region and the world. We’re really hoping that, in a bipartisan way, everyone will seize the opportunity,’ he said.”]
  • Jerusalem Post/Nathan Diamant (ED of the Orthodox Union) 1/20/25: A new administration and new Congress brings new opportunities [lays out a wish list for new Congress and Trump Admin, including: “Antisemitism Awareness Act, which would define antisemitism to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act; the Deterrent Act, which forces universities to disclose foreign gifts; and a bill by Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN) to revoke the tax-exempt status of US nonprofits that support designated terrorist groupsRepublican lawmakers and Democratic allies should put these bills together into an “omnibus” legislative package combating antisemitism.”
  • Israel Policy Forum: Policy Recommendations for the Trump Administration and the 119th Congress

Not Every Seemingly Antisemitic Act is Actually Antisemitic, Amirite?

Anti-Palestinian Racism on Display, Yet Again

The 119th Congress & Its Priorities re: Supporting Israel & More

  • House Foreign Affairs Committee, 199th Congress “Authorization and Oversight Plan” (not dated) [“‘Priority Oversight Matters” include: “ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS, Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, and other terrorist and insurgent groups; expanding and strengthening the Abraham Accords and regional security cooperation; reaffirming relationships with U.S. partners and allies; monitoring the development of a Syrian government and holding the Assad regime, and its Russian and Iranian backers, accountable for their war crimes; bolstering stability in Yemen and countering the Houthi threat; curbing Iranian malign influence in the region; competing with our near-peer adversaries; addressing human rights, democratic backsliding and challenges to the rule of law including corruption and lack of financial transparency; and United States policies, programs, authorities and funding to address these challenges.” Also include monitoring “U.S. policy toward Israel, including advancing policies to ensure sufficient security assistance to Israel, including to support efforts to hold Iran and its proxies accountable for promoting and sponsoring ongoing  violence against Israel, and countering antisemitism in international and intergovernmental organizations. The Committee will continue to assess various diplomatic solutions to historical regional difficulties, as well as efforts to strengthen the U.S. relationship and advance normalization of relations between Israel and other nations in the Middle East and North Africa.” Also include closely reviewing “U.S. policy to counter and defend against Iran’s malign activities, including Iran’s provocative nuclear program, ballistic missile arsenal, UAV capabilities, global terrorism, hostage-taking, assassination plots, and human rights abuses. The Committee will also examine Iran’s relationships with Russia, the PRC, and North Korea, and how these four entities mutually enable each other’s dangerous activities. The Committee will support efforts to hold Iran accountable for its promotion of violence around the globe through espionage and proxy activity, including its sponsorship of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.” Also lots of other stuff including targeting UNRWA.
  • Jewish Insider 1/23/25: McConnell speaks out against Trump administration’s isolationist Pentagon hires [“‘It’s alarming that people can clear vetting after claiming U.S. interests in the Middle East are ‘minimal to nonexistent,’ McConnell told JI”]
  • New York Post 1/22/25: Pro-Israel Sen. Dave McCormick to chair key subcommittee on the Middle East
  • Jewish News Syndicate 1/22/25: Israeli officials in DC for inauguration push for stronger US support for Judea, Samaria
  • Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 1/22/25: Dave McCormick tapped to chair key Middle East subcommittee [“I see this as a great opportunity to strengthen the U.S.-Israel alliance, expand the Abraham Accords, grow U.S.-India cooperation, and delve deeply into regional energy, economic, and security issues.“]
  • Jewish Insider 1/22/25: Sen. McCormick to chair influential Middle East subcommittee [“The newly elected Republican has emerged as one of the GOP’s most outspoken leaders in support of Israel and against antisemitism”]
  • High Plains Observer 1/22/25: Rep.Jackson Named as Co-Chair of Congressional Israel Allies Caucus [“As one of Israel’s strongest allies in Congress, I am extremely proud to be named Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus. I will continue the work necessary to ensure that the United States stands with Israel and offers support not only as they fight for their right to exist against threats from Iranian-backed terrorist proxies, but also as they fight tenaciously to defend their place on the world stage from globalist organizations and anti-semitic countries who seek to weaken Israel’s standing. It’s an honor to receive this chairmanship, and I look forward to working with my fellow colleagues on the caucus to defend America’s closest ally, Israel.”]
  • Jewish Insider 1/21/25: Pro-Israel Republicans alarmed over Trump’s Defense Department appointee
  • Jewish Insider 1/20/25: Senate Republicans signal reservations about prospect of a new Iran deal
  • Israel Hayom 1/19/25: ‘Israel’s biggest threat is its marginalization by international bodies’ [“In an interview with Israel Hayom, Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Israel’s strongest allies, clarifies Saudi Arabia and the UAE ‘want Hamas gone at least as much as you do’.”]
  • The Hill 1/19/25: Graham calls for the ‘decimation’ of Iranian nuclear program after ceasefire
  • Politico 1/19/25: Lindsey Graham wants military action against Iran’s nuclear program [“There’s a one in trillion chance you’ll degrade the Iranian nuclear program through diplomacy.”]
  • Jewish Insider 1/18/25: DeWine selects LG Husted, a GOP pragmatist, to succeed Vance in the Senate [“Husted has been a stalwart supporter of Israel throughout his career. He signed onto an open letter organized by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland shortly after Oct. 7 condemning the atrocities and vowing to stand with Israel and the Jewish people and led the charge behind the scenes to get Ohio State University to forcibly disband the anti-Israel encampments that had disrupted campus life for Jewish and non-Jewish students alike.“]

Other stuff