FMEP Legislative Round-Up July 24, 2026

Resource

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

New from FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

  • 7/22/26: Reeling Israel In: A Conversation with Seth Ackerman, ft. FMEP non-resident Fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Seth Ackerman (Jacobin Magazine) about the latter’s recent article on a speech by Rahm Emanuel (former White House Chief of Staff to President Obama), and what it might say about current political thinking in the the Democratic Party. They also discuss what opportunities exist to exert pressure on Israel and pursue accountable.

1. Bills & Resolutions

House FY27 NDAA – HR 8800

(For state-of-play of the bill as of 7/2/26, when the House defeated the Rule to bring HR 8800 to the floor, see the 7/2/26 edition of the Round-Up)

Action in the Rules Committee this week: On 7/20/26 the House Rules Committee met (video) to approve a NEW Rule under which HR 8800 would be brought to the House floor, including deciding which of the now 1400 amendments to HR 8800 submitted to the Rules Committee (including some submitted AFTER the previous Rules Committee hearing on the bill would be considered “in order” – i.e., would be considered/voted on by the full House.

Action on the House Floor This Week:

  • On 7/21, the House passed H. Res. 1438, the NEW Rule under which HR 8800 would come to the floor, by a vote of 214-211, with all Democrats plus Massie (R-KY) voting “No”, and all Republicans (other than Massie) voting “Yes.”
  • On 7/21 – 7/22, the House voted on amendments to HR 8800, before passing HR 8000 by a vote of 216-212, with 6 Republicans joining 205 Democrats in voting “No”, and 7 Democrats joining 209 Republicans in voting “Yes.”

Amendments targeting Sec. 219 NOT made “in order” in the new Rule: Once again, the Rules Committee–meaning GOP leadership– chose to NOT make “in order” any of the amendments that sought to strip Sec. 219 from the bill [including, most prominently, one offered by Massie (R-KY)] . As a reminder, Sec. 219 is the highly controversial provision which would expand, deepen, and mandate — and make difficult to oversee and roll back — new cooperation/coordination/integration of between the U.S. military with Israel [covered in detail in previous Round-Ups]. This decision guaranteed that this highly controversial provision would pass as part of the overall bill, with no debate/discussion/opportunity to vote on it on the House floor. NOTE: It remains to be seen if down the road, when final FY27 NDAA text is being negotiated between the House and Senate, the provision will be removed/changed, given that a similar provision (and more!) is included in the baseline Senate version of the FY27 NDAA, which is currently stalled in the Senate – see the 7/17/26 edition of the Round-Up for details.

Amendments Made “In Order” in the new Rule:  A large number of Israel/Middle East-related amendments to HR 8800 were submitted to the Rules Committee. Only a small number of these were made “in order” — listed in the table below. All were adopted on the House floor by Voice Votes.

My analysis [based on what I posted on X]: On the heels of historic vote against US aid to Israel last week, House GOP leaders decided to NOT allow debate or a vote on an amendment to strip from FY27 NDAA a provision (Sec 219) legislating massive US support for Israel via new/expanded, hard-to-oversee/roll back, US-Israel military entanglement. Instead, House GOP leaders decided to let two wholly cosmetic amendments related to Sec. 219 come to the floor: one expands an a required annual report to Congress past 2030; the other strikes the word ‘integration’ in one place in the provision. As reported previously in the Round-Up, looking at Sec. 219 and related measures being pushed by Israel supporters in both the House and Senate, one would be hard-pressed to avoid concluding that Israel’s government and its allies in Congress & pro-Israel organizations want to ensure Israel’s prime minister will be functionally (& permanently) granted a seat in the US situation room — via legislation — much of it built on an edifice of pro-Israel measures passed into law, with little or no debate, over many years — that will accomplish three inter-related and mutually-reinforcing goals. The first goal: establishing/expanding the role and position of Israel within US national security processes, policies, strategies, and procurements — including deepening interoperability and inter-dependence of core military and intelligence functions. The second goal: achieving all of this in such a way that it cannot easily be undone (by either a future Congress or Administration). The third goal: codifying the transformation of Israel from a foreign state that enjoys US support & aid, into an actor whose interests, prerogatives, and entitlements are enmeshed, by law, with those of the US], such that Israel is legally woven into the fabric of U.S. national security apparatus functions — where its position will not only be less vulnerable to changing political tides (compared to today), but also even less transparent and accountable.  Love or hate these efforts, the fact is: vital US national security equities are in play, and apparently will be decided NOT via rigorous, transparent, informed deliberation/debate, but via text slipped into must-pass bills, on which debate/votes over meaningful amendments will be blocked.

Don’t Forget About the Bill Itself:  With all the focus this week was on the continued controversy over Sec. 219, there was little to no attention given to the many, many other Israel/Middle East provisions that the House passed as part of the base text of HR 8800. For full details see the 6/5/26 edition of the Round-Up; in its press release on HR 8800’s passage by the House, AIPAC lauded specific funding for Israel in the bill: “The House‑passed NDAA authorizes $750 million for U.S.-Israel cooperative programs—a $65 million increase over FY26—including $500 million for missile defense, $100 million for counter‑unmanned systems, $100 million for subterranean operations, and $50 million for emerging technologies. The bill also extends the War Reserves Stockpile Authority–Israel.”

What next? HR 8800 now goes to the Senate – where normally the next step would be for the Senate to delete the full House text and replace it with the text of its own Senate-passed version of the NDAA. However, as noted above and in previous Round-Ups, as of this writing the Senate version of the FY27 NDAA is stalled, in part over opposition to Israel-related provisions. Stay tuned to see what happens next!

Israel/Middle East Amendments to HR 8800 considered on the House Floor

Topic Amdt # + Link Intro’d by Description/summary Status
US should boycott intl defense exhibitions that in any way restrict Israeli participation Amdt #1099 / #24 in Rule Ogles (R-TN) “This amendment expresses the sense of Congress that DOW participation in international defense exhibitions should be conditioned on the full participation of Israeli companies and the absence of discriminatory restrictions targeting Israel.” Passed 7/21/26 as part of En Bloc amendment (H. Amdt. 246), by voice Vote
Fighting the ICC Amdt #1255 / #25 in Rule Gottheimer (D-NJ) & Tenney (R-NY) “Late Requires the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State to use every opportunity at NATO forums/ forums with Major Non-NATO Allies to ensure that member countries do not enforce ICC warrants against one another’s militaries.” Passed 7/21/26 as part of En Bloc amendment (H. Amdt. 246), by voice Vote
Gaza Tunnels report Amdt #1256 / #147 in Rule Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Late Authorizes a Report Authored by the Secretary of Defense to study steps Israel, the US, and Egypt can take to enhance international security measures on the Gaza-Egypt border to ensure Hamas and other actors cannot use tunnels or methods via the Mediterranean Sea to smuggle weapons and illicit goods. Additionally, the report will outline/ map existing tunnel networks.” Passed 7/21/26 as part of En Bloc amendment (H. Amdt. 262), by voice Vote
Iran buying land near US military installations Amdt #1265 / #38 in Rule Arrington (R-TX) “Late Requires the Department of War to submit a report that identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks arising from acquisitions of land near U.S. military installations from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and foreign terrorist organizations.” Passed 7/21/26 as part of En Bloc amendment (H. Amdt. 246), by voice Vote
Amending Sec. 219 (cosmetic) Amdt #1393 // #319 in the Rule Luna (R-FL) “Late Requires an annual report to Congress for as long as the executive agent under Section 219 position exists at the Department of Defense. Currently the reporting requirement is only there until 2030.” Passed 7/22/26 as part of En Bloc amendment (H. Amdt. 265), by voice Vote
Amending Sec. 219 (cosmetic) Amdt #1394 // #320 in the Rule Luna (R-FL) “Late Strikes the word “integration” from Section 219 of the NDAA titled “United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative.” Passed 7/22/26 as part of En Bloc amendment (H. Amdt. 265), by voice Vote

Selected media related to this week’s consideration of HR 8800:

Selected Members on the Record on HR 8800:

  • Ramirez (D-IL) 7/23/26: X-post – “ICYMI: Yesterday, 209 Republicans and 6 Democrats voted to authorize $1.15 trillion in military spending to continue endless wars, merge Israel and U.S. military capacities to make it more difficult to hold Israel accountable, and attach the Save Act to the bill to suppress our votes. Pretty much every dangerous, immoral, destructive thing that could be done by the House wrapped up into one terrible bill. I was a HELL NO. The Senate must hold the line and reject the NDAA.”
  • Foushee (D-NC) 7/23/26: X-thread – “My office continues to get calls about Section 219 in the defense budget, which expands defense cooperation with Israel. I want to reiterate that I voted against this budget, and do not support this policy. As a cosponsor of the Block the Bombs Act, I will continue to fight to ensure our taxpayer dollars are only being spent in accordance with our humanitarian values.”
  • Massie (R-KY) 7/22/26: X-post – “Final vote total for the NDAA today which tragically merges our military technology and supply chains with Israel’s. Let’s hope this version fails in the Senate because Section 219 is a betrayal of our sovereignty.”
  • Omar (D-MN) and Pocan (D-WI) 7/22/26:”Today, we voted NO on the National Defense Authorization Act because Congress cannot continue to write blank checks for endless wars. While millions of Americans are struggling to afford basic necessities, Congress is choosing to authorize over $1 trillion for the Pentagon, once again funneling billions of taxpayer dollars to defense contractors instead of investing in the needs of working people. The American people are sick and tired of funding atrocities abroad and want this war with Iran to end. Yet year after year, the Pentagon fails its audit with virtually no accountability, while Congress continues to increase military spending. We should be investing in affordable housing, healthcare, education, and good-paying jobs—not bankrolling defense contractors. This bill also includes provisions that continue to fund and partner with Israel to develop weapons to further their campaign of terror. At a time when Americans are demanding an end to funding Netanyahu’s genocidal regime, Congress should not be quietly deepening our military entanglement. For all of these reasons, we voted NO on this reckless defense bill.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/22/26: Gottheimer Champions Six Amendments and Other Key Priorities Passed in Annual Defense Bill [“Provisions Invest in Anti-Drone Technology, Military Students, Bolstering Gaza-Egypt Border Security, and Guarding Against Foreign Surveillance Technology“]
  • Barr (R-KY) 7/22/26: X-post – “I voted YES on the NDAA to strengthen America’s military and keep our nation safe. @HouseGOP delivered: Pay raises for our troops / Investments to modernize our military and deter China / Strong support for Israel and our allies as we confront Iran…”
  • Omar (D-MN) 7/22/26: X-post – “The NDAA includes a provision that would deepen military ties with Israel. This is an outrageous threat to our country’s security and autonomy. Americans want no part in Netanyahu’s genocidal regime. Congress cannot continue to bankroll Israel’s campaign of terror. Voting NO.”
  • Foushee (D-NC) 7/22/26: X-post – “The defense budget also includes the GOP’s voter disenfranchisement bill, the so-called Save America Act, as well as Section 219, which expands defense cooperation with Israel. These are policy riders that I cannot support. The Senate must reject this legislation immediately.”
  • Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) 7/22/26: X-post – “Tomorrow, the House will vote on the NDAA, which includes a provision to merge parts of our military with the IDF. This amendment is an existential threat to American sovereignty and democracy. Every member of Congress must vote NO.”
  • Massie (R-KY) 7/21/26: X-post – “Unfortunately the Rule passed just now and no debate or vote was allowed on section 219, integration of US military technology and supply chains with Israel’s. The NDAA will receive a recorded vote tomorrow with section 219 in it. I’ll vote no.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 7/21/26: X-post – “.@RepThomasMassie and I are leading the fight against military integration with Israel. Congress was denied a vote on an amendment to stop it. Now we will fight to strip this provision in the conference between the House and Senate.”

Selected statements on HR 8800:

Senate FY27 NDAA – S. 4784

As covered in last week’s edition of the Round-Up, the Senate version of the FY27 NDAA, S. 4784, was stalled in the Senate as of 7/17/26. This week – on 7/20/26 – Senate Majority Leader Thune (R-SD) offered another motion to proceed with S. 4784.  Three days later, on 7/23/26, that motion was withdrawn. What happens next? Nobody knows – stay tuned!

Statements:

Targeting Palestinians/UNRWA

(NO FUNDS FOR UNRWA) HR 9893 [bill text]: Introduced 7/23/26 by Smith (R-NJ) and 9 Republican cosponsors, “To prohibit contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, and for other purposes,” aka the “Stop Support for UNRWA Act of 2026 .” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see:

Targeting Free Speech / Protest / Non-Profits [with Palestine as the hook]

(LABELING NON-PROFITS “TERRORISTS, TARGETING PALESTINE PROTEST ORGS) S. 5083 [bill text] // HR 9721: Introduced in the Senate 7/22/25 by Cotton (R-AR), and in the House 7/16/25 by Smucker (R-PA), “A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require reporting by certain charitable organizations relating to fiscal sponsorship arrangements, and for other purposes,” aka the “Fiscal Sponsorship Transparency Act.” Referred to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, respectively. On 7/22/25, HR 9721 was marked up in/passed by the House Ways and Means Committee (along with 3 other measures targeting non-profits and their funding).  Referred to the Committee on Finance. 

Iran / Iran War

(IRAN WAR POWERS) H. Con. Res. 89: Introduced 4/23/36 by Jayapal (D-WA) and having 16 cosponsors, “Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.” Considered on the House floor 7/22/26, and passed 7/23/26 by a vote of 214 – 208.

(IRAN WAR POWERS) S. J. Res.180: Introduced 4/13/26 by Van Hollen (D-MD) and having 9 cosponsors, “A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.” Considered on the Senate floor 7/23/26 and rejected by the Senate 7/23/26 by a vote of 47-49 [on a procedural vote on a motion to discharge the bill from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.]

(COMPELLING HOUSE SPEAKER TO FILE IRAN WPR LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP ADMIN) H. Res. 1456 [resolution text]: Introduced 7/23/26 by Meeks (D-NY) and 6 cosponsors, “Directing the initiation of litigation for actions by the President or other executive branch officials inconsistent with their duties under the Constitution of the United States.” Referred to the Committee on Rules, and the Committee on House Administration. Also see press release – Larson, Meeks File Resolution to Enforce War Powers Resolution in Court Against President Trump

(TARGETING IRAN) HR 9795 [bill text]: Introduced 7/21/26 by Gillen (D-NY) and Malliotakis (R-NY), “To expand the temporary borrowing authority and mandatory distribution for the United States Victims Of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund,” aka the “Never Forget the Victims of Terrorism: Joseph D. Mistrulli and Alan Kleinberg USVSST Fund Solvency Act.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – Reps. Gillen and Malliotakis Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Secure Justice for 9/11 Families and Victims of Iranian State-Sponsored Terrorism

Other Stuff

(KEEPING THE AMIA CASE ALIVE FOREVER) H. Res. 1445: Introduced 7/21/26 by Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and 5 bipartisan cosponsors,  “Condemning the attack on the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994, and encouraging accountability for the attack.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. NOTE: Wasserman Schultz previously introduced this resolution – or something like it – in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and 14 other Senate Democrats introduced a resolution demanding that the Senate’s legal counsel bring a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that the gift of a Qatari 747 jet to serve as Air Force One constitutes an illegal foreign emolument banned by the constitution…

Reporting/posts on other previously introduced legislation:

2. Letters & Reports

3. Hearings & Markups

July 22, 2026: The House Foreign Affairs held an Israel/Greater Israel hegemony-in-the-region-while-marginalizing-&-making-clear-the-open-contempt-for-Palestinians love fest of a hearing entitled, Building a New Regional Security Architecture: The Next Phase of the Abraham Accords (hearing video – watch it for yourself; I don’t have the stomach to excerpt it here). The witness list, along with their written statements, says it all:

  • Former US Ambassador to Israel (and longtime settlement/Greater Israel supporter) David Friedman, Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel (statement);
  • Asher Fredman, Executive Director of the Israeli organization the “Misgav Institute for National Security and Zionist Strategy” [that last part of the name, “and Zionist Strategy,” is mysteriously absent from the meeting notice] – note that this is the organization that shortly after the 10/7/23 Hamas attacks published a paper making the case for Israel to use the 10/7 attacks as a pretext for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. As reported at the time: “On October 17, the Misgav Institute for National Security & Zionist Strategy published a position paper (PDF) advocating for the ‘relocation and final settlement of the entire Gaza population.’ The report advocates exploiting the current moment to accomplish a long-held Zionist goal of moving Palestinians off the land of historic Palestine. The report’s subtitle makes it clear: ‘There is at the moment a unique and rare opportunity to evacuate the whole Gaza Strip in coordination with the Egyptian government.’”  (statement); and
  • Former US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro (who shortly after finishing his role as ambassador decided to stay in Israel [“Shapiro acknowledged it was somewhat unusual for him to remain in country after his service. But his ties to Israel are much more than professional. The six years he spent representing the Obama administration here were part of a lifelong commitment to the country“] and joined a think tank in Tel Aviv, the Institute for National Security Studies, as a fellow; he is now at the Atlantic Council) (statement).

Also see:

July 22, 2026: The House Foreign Affairs held what proved to be exactly what one would have expected– an exercise in anti-UN, anti-UNRWA, pro-Israel grandstanding in the form of a hearing entitled, United Nations Accountability and Reform: Advancing an America First Foreign Policy Through Strategic Diplomacy and Burden Sharing [hearing video]. Witnesses were US ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz (statement – weighing in at a grand total of 963 words, excluding the greeting at the beginning and the “thank you” at the end); and US Representative to the UN (for management and reform) Jeff Bartos (no statement posted). Also see:

  • Baird (R-IN) 7/23/26: X-post with video clip – “Today, I spoke with United Nations Ambassador @michaelgwaltz on how America can have greater oversight on UN agencies and help the peace process in Israel and Gaza. See my discussion here”
  • McCormick (R-PA) 7/23/26: X-post w/ video clip of Bartos attacking UNRWA: “The future of Gaza will be written by the people of Gaza.”

4. Selected Members on the Record

Israel/AIPAC in US Elex & politics

  • Sanders (I-VT) 7/23/26: X-post – “Democratic establishment politics in action. Outside groups, led by AIPAC, have spent $52.3 million in Michigan’s Senate primary to support Haley Stevens, compared to $853,000 in outside spending for Abdul El-Sayed — a 60-1 margin. And the establishment is still going to lose.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/22/26: X-post – “If Michiganders don’t want their tax dollars sent abroad, will El-Sayed also be ok with cutting off critical American military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, Taiwan, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Kenya, etc? Or is this just about Israel?” NOTE: El-Sayed has repeatedly spoken out against foreign aid in general, including specifying countries other than Israel. He was actual quoted about this in an 11/11/25 Jewish Insider article: “My position on this has always been … it’s not about conditioning aid. I think under no condition should we be sending the money that should be buying our kids’ schools or healthcare or infrastructure to a foreign military to buy them tanks,” he continued. “And that we can start with Egypt. We go to Pakistan, we can go to Jordan, we go to Saudi Arabia and we go to Israel. I just think it’s about principle.“
  • Sanders (I-VT) 7/21/26: X-post – “AIPAC and other billionaire-funded super PACs have already spent nearly $50 million to defeat Dr. Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan U.S. Senate primary. We cannot allow oligarchs to buy our elections. One person, one vote.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 7/20/26: X-post – “Five things House Democrats are going to do once we have the majority: Medicare for All / A living wage / Stronger union protections / $10 a day childcare / End aid to Israel”

Concern for Palestinians

  • Khanna (D-CA) 7/24/26: X-post w/ video clip – “The village of Umm al-Khair is surrounded on all sides by settlements. Last year, Awdah Hathaleen was shot dead in broad daylight by extremist settler Yinon Levy. Biden had sanctioned him. Trump lifted the sanctions. We need to sanction violent settlers & make them face justice.”
  • Schakowsky (D-IL) 7/23/26: X-post – “Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya has spent 18 months imprisoned without charge after caring for children in Gaza. Reports that he has been beaten and tortured are horrifying. He must be released immediately. International law must be upheld.”
  • Delaney (D-MD) 7/21/26: X-post – “The push to reestablish settlements in Gaza by far-right members of the Israeli cabinet would only undermine the path to peace and a two-state solution and deepen suffering for Palestinians. This is outrageous, and U.S. leadership should be clear that there should be no displacement or annexation of land in Gaza.”
  • Pingree (D-ME) 7/20/26: X-post – “Israel’s destruction of Gaza has been absolutely horrifying. More than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 20,000 children. Now, Israeli settlers are terrorizing the West Bank with the tacit support of the IDF. Last week, I joined more than 100 of my fellow Democrats in supporting @RepThomasMassie’s Amendment to block $3.4 Billion in military aid to Israel. We should not be giving another dime of taxpayer money to support Netanyahu’s genocidal regime. While that amendment failed, the tide is clearly turning. Holding the Israeli government accountable is not antisemitism. Many Jewish Americans have been among the strongest voices demanding an end to this war and justice for the Palestinian people. It’s time for Congress to stop enabling these atrocities—and put human rights ahead of politics.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 7/20/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Christian towns around Bethlehem are surrounded on all sides by settlers who steal their water and attack their families. They cannot freely move across their land and are blocked from going to holy sites in Jerusalem. Listen to the mayors of these towns share their stories.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 7/19/26: X-post – “In communities like Turmus’ayya, illegal settlers attack American citizens with American weapons paid for by American tax dollars. Palestinians who live there have their homes, vehicles, and trees burned by settlers directly backed by the Israeli state. How can we support this?”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 7/19/26: X-post – “The State Dept insists their #1 duty abroad is to protect Americans. Yet, when it comes to getting justice for citizens killed or detained in the West Bank, there is no accountability. I will keep pushing the Trump admin, as I did the Biden admin, to get justice for these Americans.”

Cheering on Israel as it Kills Palestinians

  • Fetterman (D-PA) 7/23/26: X-post – “Israel keeps killing Hamas members. @DemSocialists, cry harder.”

Saudi Arabia Nuclear Agreement // Normalization with Israel

  • Kim (D-NJ) 7/24/26: X-thread – “Details of the U.S.-Saudi civil nuclear deal the Trump administration reached are unclear. Less than a day after the administration announced a deal, Trump announced two major amendments that Saudis dispute. This agreement is a serious piece of business that has major national security implications, but this administration is not treating it as such…The U.S. has long sought to ensure that such agreement with the Kingdom includes clear benefits for Americans and safeguards against abuses that could enable a nuclear weapons program. What I’ve seen so far raises questions about whether these conditions have been met I haven’t seen evidence of how Americans would benefit from this agreement. Trump appears to be responding to these concerns by adding conditions that the Biden administration sought — normalization with Israel. We also need to ensure this is not benefiting Trump and his family at our expense. We need to ensure that an agreement bars enrichment of nuclear materials. The original announcement leaves open the possibility of enrichment in Saudi Arabia — which Trump now disputes. Which is it? And what are other provisions? We don’t know because they have not released or even described the details. Given the lack of details, Trump contradicting his own team, and Saudi officials disputing him, I am a long way from being that confident this agreement is in the U.S.’s interest.”
  • Budd (R-NC) 7/23/26: X-post – “.@POTUS is right—if Saudi Arabia is serious about advancing their civilian nuclear program, they should join the Abraham Accords & normalize relations with Israel. Expanding the Abraham Accords serves U.S. national security & economic interests—helping bring stability to the Middle East.”

Free Speech/Protest/Harassment

  • Welch (D-VT) 7/21/26: X-post – “The facts of this case remain the same. Mohsen is in this country legally. President Trump is trying to deport him because he doesn’t like that Mohsen non-violently advocated for peace in Gaza. It’s a fundamental violation of free speech. It’s an attack on the Constitution.”
  • Schmitt (R-MO) 7/21/26: X-post – “BREAKING: Pro-Hamas 15-year undergrad Mohsen Mahdawi will be deported back to Jordan. The Second Circuit just overruled a rogue judge who had let Mahdawi back onto the streets. Get him out. America is not a taxpayer-funded campus for foreign agitators.”
  • Grothman (R-WI) 7/20/26: X-post – “Enough is enough. Rep. Adam Smith and his family were targeted with threats, harassment, and vandalism by anti-Israel activists. This is not peaceful protest, it is intimidation. Americans have the right to debate and disagree, but no one should be threatened or targeted because of it. Political violence and harassment have no place in our country. Those responsible must be held accountable.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 7/19/26: X-post w/ pic- “My office has reported this letter to the Capitol Police. Threats against a journalist, my staff, or anyone speaking out for justice are unacceptable and erode free speech. Violence and hatred should always be condemned.” Responding to X-post by Max Blumemnthal, “Several days ago, I received a threatening letter informing me that I am ‘moving up on ‘the List,’ and that I am ‘fucked.’ The letter calls me a ‘kapo,’ indicating its authorship by a Zionist fanatic, possibly affiliated with an outfit like JDL Brotherhood 613, or from Betar dead-enders who advocate violence against perceived enemies of Israel. I opened this letter as Israel-backed Trump admin allies like Laura Loomer portrayed me as a national security threat and demanded my persecution for reporting from Iran, and as the Trump admin harassed me by illegally seizing my phones. I am not the only person to have received these letters. Howard Heath, a state representative in New Hampshire who is campaigning for Congress on a pledge to cut off military aid to Israel, also reported receiving a letter from the same ‘Yoor Dedmeet.’ The return address applied to the letter is the field office of Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian member of Congress. To me, this indicates that she and her staff could also be targets of whichever malicious individual or group sent the letter. I have filed a report with local police and informed the US Postal Service Inspector of this threatening letter.”

Targeting Mayor Mamdani // Islamophobia // Conflating criticism of Israel w/ Antisemitism

[NOTE: On 7/23/26, a man (identified as 51-year-0ld Raul Morales) with a screwdriver carried out two stabbing attacks in New York, while reportedly shouting “Allahu Akbar.” One of the victims was visibly Jewish (which in this context means he was wearing a kippah), the other was Asian. New York City policy commissioner Tisch issued a statement noting: “The NYPD is currently evaluating whether this is a potential hate crime. While the perpetrator has no known mental health history with the NYPD, the initial investigation suggests that mental health may have been a factor.” Both victims are expected to survive and the attacker was arrested. Israel/Netanyahu defenders, including in Congress, immediately and enthusiastically linked the attack to, and blamed it on, Mayor Mamdani and his criticism of Israeli and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, including his recent public comments about wanted to arrest Netanyahu if he comes to New York. A he common theme of these lines of attack against Mamdani is the wholesale conflation of “Israel” and “Jews” and equating criticism of Israel/Netanyahu with threats to Jewish safety — conflations/equating that are both textbook examples of…antisemitism; another common theme is the total erasure of the existence/importance of a victim who is NOT Jewish and the attack against which they cannot find a way to connect to criticism of Israel.]

  • Mace (R-SC) 7/24/26: X-post – “Just days after @NYCMayor gets on every platform, insisting the Prime Minister of Israel is a “war criminal” and blaming him for a genocide, a Jewish man is stabbed by a monster reportedly screaming ‘Allahu Akbar’ in his city.”
  • Torres (D-NY) 7/24/26: X-post – “A violent extremist stabbed a Jewish New Yorker and an Asian New Yorker while shouting “Allahu Akbar.” The attacks serve as a bloody reminder that we are living in an age of heightened hatred and antisemitism, with hate crimes against the Jewish community reaching levels rarely seen before. Instead of combating antisemitism, American politics has become increasingly consumed by an unrelenting campaign of demonization directed at the Jewish people and the Jewish state. Enough is enough.”
  • Goldman (D-NY) 7/23/26: X-post – “I have no doubt there will be many well-written social media posts condemning the antisemitic stabbings on the Upper West Side today, and I’m sure many people’s thoughts and prayers will be with the victims and their families. But these statements ring hollow when so many in the city normalize antisemitism, including simply by associating American Jews with the actions of the Israeli government. Enough is enough.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 7/23/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Jihadi Mamdani should’ve never been allowed to become an American citizen. He should be denaturalized and sent back to Uganda. If you’re an apologist for Hamas terrorists, you’re part of the problem.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 7/23/26: X-post – “Muslim terror in the middle of the day in the streets of New York. Inspired by their leader, Zohran Mamdani. These demons need to be arrested, denaturalized, and expelled from our country. NOW.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 7/23/26: X-post w/ video clip – “.@NYCMayor’s goal is clear: destroy America. Jihadi Mamdani became a citizen just a few years ago and he’s already siding with Muslim terrorists and pushing the ICC’s fake arrest warrant. He hates our country and everything we stand for. Americans need to realize just how destructive he really is.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/22/26: X-post – “Mayor Mamdani is obsessed with Israel, and the double standard is glaring. He’s parroting Hamas talking points while his staff tries to meet with Iranians officials. He should be a little less obsessed with foreign policy, and a little more obsessed with cleaning up his streets.”
  • Banks (R-IN) 7/22/26; X-post w/ video clip – “.@POTUS sanctioned the ICC in 2020 & he sanctioned them again in 2025. Congress has repeatedly voted to sanction the ICC. Why? The ICC is a rogue, kangaroo court that we don’t recognize. Mamdani has no standing & no ability to arrest a foreign leader based off their rulings.”
  • Budd (R-NC) 7/22/26: X-post – “Mayor Mamdani admitted what was already obvious—he lacks the authority to arrest PM Netanyahu. This was always baseless—the U.S. is not bound by the corrupt ICC. The city with the largest Jewish community outside Israel deserves better than posturing targeting Israel’s leader.”
  • Scott (R-SC) 7/22/26: X-post – “Zohran Mamdani calling Benjamin Netanyahu a war criminal is utterly ridiculous. The same crowd that rushes to condemn Israel never has much to say about the terrorists who started the war, massacred civilians, raped women, kidnapped children, and still hide behind their own people. Mamdani wants the headline that comes from attacking Netanyahu, not the consistency that comes with confronting Hamas.”
  • Budd (R-NC) 7/21/26: X-post – “Mamdani’s aspirations to arrest Netanyahu come from a desire to virtue-signal to his radical, anti-Israel base. My American Allies Protection Act would disqualify any state or locality from receiving DOJ funds that would harm America’s standing with our allies.”
  • Stutzman (R-IN) 7/20/26: X-post – “We all know in the world of Zohran Mamdani clicks come first and logic comes second (if it even shows up at all). Should he lay a finger on Netanyahu while in NYC it will be a catastrophe of international proportions. Instead, maybe, focus on fixing the potholes, picking up the trash, jailing criminals, and getting rid of the rats in NYC!”
  • Ogles (R-TN) 7/20/26: X-post – “Incredible work by @DAGToddBlanche. Denaturalization is the answer. My REMIGRATION Act will SUPERCHARGE these efforts and put Zohran Mamdani at the top of the list for DEPORTATION.”
  • Tenney (R-NY) 7/20/26: X-post – “New York’s mayor should be focused on serving New Yorkers, NOT opening a backchannel with a terrorist regime. That’s why I joined @RepMcDowell in calling on the DOJ to investigate the Mamdani administration.”
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 7/20/26: X-post – “Another example of @NYCMayor siding with terrorists. Mamdani should focus on fixing his failing city instead of threatening America’s allies.”
  • McDowell (R-NC) 7/19/26: X-post – “No mayor has the authority to meddle in U.S. foreign policy.” [Note that McDowell and his ilk are not concerned about US mayors meddling in US foreign policy in support of Israel...]

Lebanon

  • Slotkin (D-MI) 7/22/26: X-post – “I was in Beirut before the war, and I met with President Aoun of Lebanon this week. President Aoun also met with President Trump. It is very important we move the ball forward on a permanent ceasefire in Lebanon.”
  • Kaptur (D-OH) 7/22/26: X-post – “Wonderful evening at the Lebanese Ambassador’s Residence. Nice to meet and speak with President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon and discuss NW Ohio’s proud Lebanese-American diaspora, our history, and our shared priorities.”

Other stuff

  • Fallon (R-TX) 7/23/26: X-post – “The bloodthirsty Iranian regime has sewn chaos, death and destruction for decades through terrorist proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. President Trump is absolutely correct to take the fight to the radicals in Tehran and hold them accountable.”
  •  Murphy (D-CT) 7/21/26: Murphy Demands Answers from Hegseth on Objectives for Iran War & Taxpayer Dollars Spent on Trump’s Luxury Jet
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/19/26: X-post – “Let’s remember who Malaysia is. This is where Hamas trained to paraglide, fly into Israel, and slaughter civilians. Malaysia rolls out the red carpet for terrorists, but deports the Israeli entrepreneurs helping build its economy. Remember that the next time Malaysia lectures anyone about human rights.” Linked to Jerusalem Post article, Malaysia vows explusion [sic] of Israelis found in the country amid investigations into Tech community
  • Cammack (R-FL) 7/19/26: X-post – “You read that right. There are NO background checks for Congressional staff. H.Res 500 would require background checks and full disclosure of dual citizenship and employment of foreign nations for staff. No surprise to anyone that we are being fought every step of the way. You can help us make sure all Capitol Hill staff get background checks by calling your Rep!” [NOTE: As written, those impacted by this measure would include Israeli-Americans working on the Hill]

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC (and Iran) in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Arizona

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Florida

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Maine

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Missouri

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Minnesota

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Hampshire

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – North Carolina

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Pennsylvania

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Washington State

Iran

Saudi Arabia Nuclear Deal

Other Stuff