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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

• 7/24/25: Humanizing and Historicizing the World in a Time of Genocide, ft. FMEP fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with UC Berkeley History Professor Ussama Makdisi, who was personally named and targeted by Members of Congress in the recent House of Representatives hearing ostensibly on antisemitism in higher education. Beinart and Makdisi discuss the “surreal” experience of being denounced in Congress as well as the truth and power of the widespread mobilization of people from a wide range of backgrounds, faiths, and generations calling for justice and an end to the genocide in Gaza. They also discuss the long and relatively under-researched history of interconnections among Muslims, Christians, and Jewish communities in the Middle East, the importance of reading history, and the shocking brutality of the genocide in Gaza. As they close their conversation, Makdisi asserts that the urgent and essential task is to make sense of the world in terms that “humanize rather than dehumanize, historicize rather than dehistoricize, advocate for justice and equality rather than ethno-religious supremacy of any sort.”

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(TARGETING FREE SPEECH/CRITICISM OF ISRAEL) HR XXXX: On 7/24/25, Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Bacon (R-NE), joined by the head of the ADL Jonathan Greenblatt, held a press conference to announce the re-introduction of the “STOP HATE Act” [the bill is not in the Congressional Record as of 12pm 7/25/25] This same trio previously came together in 2023 to introduce this same legislation (HR 6463). Also see:

• Press release: Gottheimer, Bacon, ADL Announce Legislation to Combat Terrorists & Disinformation on Social Media, including this quote from Greenblatt: “The world’s oldest hate is crossing borders and going viral. One of the main drivers supercharging the global rise in antisemitism is the unregulated proliferation of extremists online who are looking to seed divisions among us and drive hate…Today’s extremists exploit social media to recruit, radicalize, and incite violence – often in violation of these platforms’ own terms of service. As antisemitism and hate surge to record levels, the STOP HATE Act is a vital bipartisan bill that will hold tech platforms accountable for hosting terrorist and extremist content. This bill will provide essential oversight and ensure companies enforce their own policies...”
• Press conference: Reps. Gottheimer, Bacon, ADL Announce Bipartisan STOP HATE Act
• Media:  Gottheimer, Bacon re-up effort to combat antisemitism on social media [“The STOP HATE Act would require social media companies to publicize policies on the use of their platforms by designated terrorists“] (Jewish Insider 10/24/25); Gottheimer, Bacon, ADL announce bill to combat Jew-hatred, terrorism on social media (Jewish News Syndicate 7/23/25); This Bill Would Fine Social Media Companies $5 Million Every Day for Not Fighting ‘Terrorism’ [excerpt: “At the press conference, Bacon made it clear that the STOP HATE Act was meant to push social media companies to act even more like an arm of government censorship. ‘People should feel like they’re scorned for having these ideas and espousing these ideals. We need to work with our social media companies to clean this up,’ he said. ‘It’s further influencing other young—more people are being influenced by what they’re saying. They’re saying that this is acceptable behavior. It is not. We need to hold these companies accountable and work with them to take it off the airwaves.’ The specific idea that Bacon had in mind was antisemitism, and he made clear that it includes criticism of the State of Israel in his book. ‘I saw the protests out here the past few days. They were vile. You could see the antisemitism in their comments, the way they were treating some of our members of Congress who are Jewish,’ Bacon said.”] (Reason 7/24/25); ADL-Backed Bipartisan Bill Threatens to Censor Israel Criticism on Social Media (Common Dreams 7/25/25)
• Other: X-post from Glenn Greenwald re the bill – “There was an full consensus on the Right for the last decade that Big Tech censorship was a great evil, especially if pressured and demanded by the US Government. All that changed with it came time to censor for Israel: ‘we’re very proud the bill has the backing of the ADL.’“; ADC press release – ADC: STOP HATE Act is a Dangerous Attack on Free Speech and The Right to Dissent

(TARGETING PROTEST & NON-PROFIT SECTOR) S. 2376: Introduced 7/22/25 by Cruz (R-TX) and 6 Republican co-sponsors, “A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to include rioting in the definition of racketeering activity,” aka the “Stop Financial Underwriting of Nefarious Demonstrations and Extremist Riots (Stop FUNDERs) Act.” Per Cruz’s press release the bill will: “Amend 18 U.S.C. § 1961(1) to add ‘rioting,’ as defined in the Anti-Riot Act, to the list of racketeering predicate offenses” and “Enable the Department of Justice to use RICO tools—including joint liability and group prosecution, conspiracy charges, asset forfeiture, and enhanced criminal penalties—against organizations and individuals who repeatedly fund or coordinate violent interstate riots” and “Deter abuse of nonprofit status and expose hidden financial pipelines behind politically motivated violence.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see:

• My X-thread 7/23/25, which among other things notes that this bill aligns with the tactics laid out in Project Esther, which among other things states: “We have several laws at our disposal that may help to exploit HSN and HSO vulnerabilities, such as the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA); the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO); and counterterrorism, hate speech, and immigration laws…”
• Media: Cruz moves to penalize groups funding antisemitic, anti-ICE riots (Fox News 7/22/25); Ted Cruz Wants to Use Law Meant to Prosecute Gangs to Go After Anti-ICE Protest Organizers (Latin Times 7/23/25); Congressional Republicans introduce bill targeting riot funders (AOL 7/24/25)

(USING MEMBERSHIP DARING TO DISAGREE WITH THE ADL ON ISRAEL AS PRETEXT TO TARGET THE NEA) S. 2428: Introduced 7/24/25 by Lummis (R-WY) and 4 Republican cosponsors, “A bill to amend chapter 1511 of title 36, United States Code, to impose certain requirements on the National Education Association, and for other purposes.“ Referred to the Committee on Finance. Also see: 

• Press release: Lummis, Fitzgerald Introduce STUDENT Act to Reform National Education Association’s Federal Charter
• Lummis X-post 7/23/25: “It’s heartbreaking & disturbing to see educational institutions weaken their ties with organizations combatting antisemitism. I’m proud to stand with Jewish Americans & introduce the STUDENT Act to bring NEA’s charter to its original purpose of supporting teachers, not politics.“
• Media: Sen. Lummis to introduce legislation barring the NEA from engaging in politics or lobbying (Jewish Insider 7/24/25) – the “Stopping Teachers Unions from Damaging Education Needs Today Act” or the ‘‘STUDENT Act“; text [among other things barring the NEA or its affiliates to”require or encourage staff, officers, affiliates, or members to affirm, adopt, or adhere to any belief of concept that” among other things, “promotes antisemitic beliefs or practices, including beliefs that perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Jewish people, deny or minimize the Holocaust, or promote hatred or discrimination against Jewish individuals based on identity, ancestry or connection to and beliefs about Israel“]

(TARGETING PROTEST & NON-PROFIT SECTOR) HR 4232: Introduced 6/27/25 (not previously covered in the Round-Up) by Kiley (R-CA), the “No Tax Dollars for Riots” Act.  The bill would ban federal funding to, and strip the tax-exempt status of, any non-profit organization an officer or board member of which is convicted of an offense in connection to a protest deemed by law enforcement to be a “riot.” These consequences would apply REGARDLESS of whether the convicted individual was acting in a personal capacity or as a representative of the organization in question. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Also see:

• Kiley press releases – Rep. Kiley to Introduce Legislation Targeting Rioters & President Trump Endorses Rep. Kiley Bill to Prevent Violent Riots; Kiley X-post – “I am introducing the No Tax Dollars for Riots Act, legislation to deny public funding and tax-exempt status to “nonprofits” that organize riots. The group known as CHIRLA played a central role in the chaos in LA after receiving over $34 million in public funding.”
• President Trump post on Truth Social 6/28/25: “CONGRESSMAN KEVIN KILEY’S, ‘NO TAX DOLLARS FOR RIOTS’ legislation, should be passed immediately. I am hereby instructing my Administration not to pay ANY money to these radicalized groups, regardless of the legislation. They get paid to incite riots, burn down or destroy a city, then come back to the trough to get money to help rebuild it. NO MORE MONEY!!!“
• Trump Demands Republicans Crack Down on Nonprofits That Protest ICE [“The president endorsed a GOP lawmaker’s bill to take away the tax-exempt status of groups supposedly involved in ‘unlawful riots'”] (Rolling Stone 6/28/25)

(YET MORE US AID FOR/COOPERATION WITH ISRAEL) HR 4655: Introduced 7/23/25 by Fine (R-FL) and 8 cosponsors [7 Republicans + Gottheimer (D-NJ)], “To direct the Secretary of Defense to carry out a grant program to increase cooperation on post-traumatic stress disorder research between the United States and Israel.“ Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

(ARGENTINA/HEZBOLLAH + IHRA) S. Res. 326: Introduced 7/17/25 (Missed this last week – sorry) by Curtis (R-UT) and Rosen (D-NV), “A resolution remembering the 33rd anniversary of the bombing of the Embassy of Israel in Buenos Aries on March 17, 1992, and the 31st anniversary of the bombing of the Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association building in Buenos Aires on July 18, 1994, and recommitting to efforts to uphold justice for victims of the attacks.” Includes clause in which the Senate: “commends the Government of Argentina for adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism and encourages other partners and allies to do the same.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release – Senators Curtis, Rosen Lead Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Victims of Argentine Terror Attacks, Confronting Rise in Global Antisemitism

(CONCERN FOR CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED BY MUSLIMS – NEVER MIND ISRAEL KILLING/INURING/DISPLACING CHRISTIAN PALESTINIANS, OR EVEN BOMBING A CHURCH IN GAZA LAST WEEK) S. Res. 327: Introduced by Hawley (R-MO) 7/21/25, “A resolution condemning the persecution of Christians in Muslim-majority countries and encouraging the President to prioritize the protection of persecuted Christians in United States foreign policy.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. This is the Senate companion to H. Res. 594, introduced last week. Also see:

• press release – Congressman Moore, Senator Hawley Introduce Resolution Condemning International Persecution of Christians.
• NOTE: The bill text does mention Palestinian Christians in Gaza, but not to express concern for them being killed/injured/displaced/starved by Israel, or concern about Israel repeatedly bombing churches in Gaza, but as yet another prop to deflect focus from Israel’s actions in Gaza: “Whereas, in Gaza, Christians live as an extreme minority with almost no rights under the Hamas-led government“.
• Recommended reading: The Dilemma of Gaza’s Christians (The New Yorker 1/24/24); I’m a Palestinian Christian in Gaza. I want peace—for my homeland and my family. (America Magazine 12/20/23); Under Israeli attack: Who are the Christians of Gaza? They’re small in number, but with deep roots that they are unwilling to leave behind. (Al Jazeera 11/1/23)

2. Letters

(INVESTIGATE DEATH OF AMCIT IN WEST BANK) 7/24/25: Van Hollen, 28 Senators Call on Administration to Conduct Independent, U.S.-Led Investigation into Death of American Citizen in West Bank [letter text]. Also see: 

• X-posts & press releases: Van Hollen – “Saifullah Kamel Musallet is the 7th U.S. citizen killed in the West Bank by settlers or the IDF since 2022, and the 5th in the last 19 months. Today I led 28 Senators in writing to Rubio & Bondi demanding an independent, U.S.-led investigation — and accountability for ALL these American lives lost“;  Warren (D-MA) – “We can’t stand by while Israeli settlers kill innocent civilians, including Americans, in the West Bank. Trump made this worse by revoking 30+ sanctions on extremist settlers. It’s wrong, and I was proud to join Senator Van Hollen in pressing for accountability and justice.“; Warren press release – Warner, 28 Senators Call on Administration to Conduct Independent, U.S.-Led Investigation into Death of American Citizen in West Bank
• Media: Democrats demand U.S. investigation of American’s death in West Bank (Washington Post 7/24/25); Democratic senators call on Trump to investigate US citizen killed in West Bank (The Hill 7/25/25)

3. Hearings & Briefings

July 23, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled, U.S. Diplomatic Strategies for a Dynamic Middle East (video). Witnesses were: Brian Hook, former US Department of State Special Representative for Iran and Senior Policy Advisor (statement); Daniel Shapiro, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East (statement); and Shelly Culbertson, Senior Policy Researcher, RAND (statement). Also see:

• Chairman Lawler (R-NY) opening statement
• Former officials warn of consequences if U.S. dials down presence in Middle East (Jewish Insider 7/24/25)

July 23, 2025: The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing entitled, FY26 State Department Posture: Bureau of Political Affairs (video). The sole witness was Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker (statement). Of note: Rep. Castro (D-TX) focused his time on Israel/Gaza/the West Bank (starting around 2:23:08 in the video), asking about the Trump Administration’s plan to deal with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza (he posted parts of his exchange with Hooker on X – here, here, here). The answer he got basically blamed Hamas for all suffering and deaths in Gaza, absolved Israel of responsibility, and raised the Trump Administration’s ostensible support for ceasefire and humanitarian aid. He also asked Hooker whether the Trump Administration plans to independently investigate terrorist acts by Israeli settlers, including the recent murder of a Palestinian-American (her answer suggested that no, the Trump Administration won’t).

July 23, 2025: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa held a hearing entitled, Bureau of Counterterrorism FY26 Budget Posture Hearing (video). The sole witness was Gregory LoGerfo, Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Bureau of Counterterrorism, U.S. Department of State (statement). LoGerfo mentioned antisemitism once in his prepared remarks and once in response to a member’s question. In addition, Sherman (D-CA) asked LoGerfo to “commit to designating the Popular Resistance Committees of Gaza as either a foreign terrorist organization or a specially designated global terrorist?” LoGerfo responded: “…the department is committed to reviewing the Popular Resistance Committee in Gaza for a potential terrorist designation…” Sherman followed up: “How soon can we count on that review being done? They’ve been a terrorist organization for a couple decades now. Your predecessors have just not focused on this.” LoGerfo committed to getting back to Sherman on this “as soon as possible.” Sherman responded, “I look forward to hearing from you within a month.” [this exchange takes place starting at 26:48 in the hearing video]

July 23, 2025: The House Committee on Appropriations held a mark-up of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Bill. See next week’s Round-Up for a full analysis of the Middle East-related provisions in the bill, as approved by the Committee, and the accompanying report.  For now, see: hearing video; Full Committee Mark (base bill the Committee marked up); Full Committee Mark Summary; Bill Report. Also see:

• 7/23/25 Diaz-Balart Remarks at FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill Full Committee Markup
• 7/23/25 Cole Remarks at FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill Full Committee Markup
• House Appropriations Committee backs funding increase for antisemitism envoy (Jewish Insider 7/23/25)
• Appropriations Committee Democrats criticize anti-UNRWA provisions in House funding bill  [“Rep. Madeleine Dean described the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as a ‘death trap for starving Palestinians’”] (Jewish Insider 7/23/25)
• Dean (D-PA) X-post w/ video clip from hearing: “Gaza is starving. This week, I spoke of the complexity of addressing this scale of malnutrition. It goes beyond food — Gaza needs skilled pediatricians, nutritionists, and other specialists to save innocent people, including children, from starving to death.” Escobar (D-TX) commenting on Dean’s post – “The hunger in Gaza is catastrophic, devastating, desperate. The world’s inaction is beyond comprehension. Congress could have allocated funding to help. But didn’t. I was proud to support your amendment, @RepDean. We must continue to do all we can, especially for the children“

July 22-23, 2025: The House Financial Services Committee held a two-day markup of various measures, including HR 4427, the Syria Sanctions Accountability Act, introduced by Lawler (R-NY). During the hearing Lawler proposed an amendment in the nature of a substitute (i.e., replacing the entire bill). Discussion of that ANS occurred on Day 1 (7/22/25), starting 2:05:35 in the markup video. Hours later (starting at 6:15:40 in the video), the committee voted (1) to reject by a vote of 17-37 an amendment to Lawler’s ANS proposed by Ranking Member Waters (D-CA); (2) to adopt by a Voice Vote Lawler’s ANS to HR 4427; and (3) to order by a vote of 31-23 that HR 4427, as amended, be reported out of committee (paving the way for it to be taken up by the full House). Also see: House committee votes for bill to condition removal of sanctions on Syria (Jewish Insider 7/23/25); House committee to vote on Lawler bill modifying Syria sanctions [“The legislation stops short of full repeal of the 2019 Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act sanctions bill that other lawmakers are pushing on a bipartisan basis“] (Jewish Insider 7/21/25)

July 22, 2025: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs held a markup of various measure (markup video), including:

• HR 2505, the “Block the Use of Transatlantic Technology in Iranian Made Drones Act” (covered in the 4/4/25 edition of the Round-Up). Discussion of HR 2505 starts round 0:22:30 in the markup video. The committee PASSED HR 2505 by a vote of a 50-0 [voted to report it out of committee with a favorable recommendation; vote at 5:25:05 n the video]. NOTE: In his comment, Rep. McCaul (R-TX) spoke about Syria and his desire to see a repeal of the Ceasar Act (starting around 34:00 in the video) and his belief in building a secure Syria, “…the greatest beneficiary of that would be the people of Israel, to have a level of security and not a fragmented Syria…“
• HR 4335, the “Abraham Accords Defense Against Terror Act” (covered in the 7/11/25 edition of the Round-up). Discussion of HR 4335 starts around 1:28:00 in the markup video. The Committee PASSED HR 4335, as amended, (incorporating an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute circulated by HR 4335’s lead sponsors, Lawler, R-NY) by a (mostly party-line) vote of 31-19 [voted to report it out of committee with a favorable recommendation; vote at 5:30:50 in the video). Democrats on the committee, while making clear they passionately support the Abraham Accords, opposed HR 4335 based on concerns that it would exempt from oversight on the use of US weapons/technology countries that the US should not be exempting from such oversight. Also see: House committee advances legislation expediting arms sales to Abraham Accords partners (Jewish Insider 7/23/25); Bipartisan House bill would expedite arms sales to Abraham Accords partners [“Rep. Lawler: ‘I am committed to strengthening our relationships with regional partners and putting our ally Israel in the best position possible to do the same’”] (Jewish Insider 7/10/25)
• HR 2633, the “U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025″ (covered in the 4/4/25 edition of the Round-Up). NOTE: An entire section of the bill is focused on South Africa’s policies vis-à-vis Israel and the Palestinians. Discussion on HR 2633, which focused on Israel/Gaza, starts around 2:21:20 in the markup video. The Committee PASSED HR 2633 by a vote of 34-16 [after first rejecting a series of Democratic amendments, and 4 Democratic amendments and adopting one [adding one word], from Keating, D-MA).

Concern about Famine/Genocide in Gaza [all Democrats, many of whom have actively enabled/defended Israeli policies/actions for 600+ days — apparently live-streamed mass death from famine is FINALLY enough for some folks to draw some sort of line, and remarkable how many waited until Friday — as Congress goes into a month-long recess — to fing their courage…]

• Schneider (D-IL) 7/25/25: Rep. Schneider Statement on Gaza and Need to Pursue Peace for Both Palestinians and Israelis [calling for an end to the war so that aid can flow, while also placing all responsibility for suffering in Gaza on Hamas, also criticizing France for announcing it will recognize Palestine, because of course it does; also calling out Israeli ministers speaking publicly in support of ethnic cleansing of Gaza, not because he is concerned that this is Israel’s actual policy being implemented, but because speaking this way “empowers those who accuse Israel of war crimes and crimes against humanity“]
• Reed (D-RI), Durbin (D-IL), Shaheen (D-NH), Warner (D-VA), Coons (D-DE), and Schatz (D-HI) 7/25/25: U.S. Senators Call on Netanyahu to Immediately Change Course in Gaza [excerpt: “We call on the Trump Administration to use its considerable leverage to press Prime Minister Netanyahu to: Reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that releases the hostages as soon as possible. Support a surge in humanitarian assistance that provides both a sufficient amount of humanitarian aid and credible mechanisms for effective distribution, including the verification and monitoring of assistance to ensure equitable distribution and to prevent Hamas from diverting assistance. Established humanitarian organizations like the World Food Programme have the experience and ability to renew their delivery of assistance without civil unrest. We must allow them to do their jobs. Dramatically reform or shut down the Gaza Humanitarian Fund and resume support for the existing UN-led aid coordination mechanisms in Gaza with enhanced oversight to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in need. Establish a ‘day after’ plan for Gaza where Hamas does not retain power, Israel disavows annexation of the West Bank and further integrates into the region, a reformed Palestinian Authority is fostered and empowered, and regional partners are included in rebuilding. Create a framework for a viable path back to a two-state solution that will allow the Israeli and Palestinian people to live side by side in security, dignity, and prosperity.”
• Kim (D-NJ) 7/25/25: “There are trucks of aid waiting just outside of Gaza – reportedly 6,000 of them – ready to enter and provide relief. They must be allowed to enter immediately. It is an utter tragedy to have this suffering of children and other civilians unfold while the resources exist right at the border. The continued denial of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza by Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government is shameful. The nearly three month blockade of humanitarian supplies they executed earlier this year and the failed delivery system they have imposed since have had devastating and deadly results. I see more and more voices in Israel and the Jewish community in America speaking out, including families of the remaining hostages and former Israeli defense and security leaders. I urge others, including supporters of Israel, to demand a change in course. Countering Hamas and seeking the release of hostages does not necessitate restricting life-sustaining humanitarian supplies for civilians. In fact, the tragedy facing children and civilians in Gaza will only exacerbate and prolong security concerns facing Israel.”
• Lee (D-PA) 7/25/25: X-post – “Palestinians in Gaza are being starved to death. The IDF is blocking aid and shooting people waiting in line for food. People are collapsing in the streets from extreme starvation. Horrors upon horrors. The U.S. must stop funding Israel’s manufactured famine and genocide.“
• Magaziner (D-RI) 7/25/25: X-post – “The starvation in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis. Children are dying and doctors are too hungry to work. Aid must be surged and allowed in NOW.”
• Merkley (D-OR) 7/25/25: X-post – “Gaza is starving. Every moment that the U.S. fails to demand a massive influx in humanitarian aid and continues to supply Netanyahu with bombs, we are complicit.    No bombs. More aid.“
• Cleaver (D-IL) 7/25/25: X-post – “The people in Gaza are starving to death. The humanitarian crisis is not easing – it’s accelerating. Every delay in aid is a death sentence. The world cannot look away: Israel has an obligation to provide desperately needed humanitarian aid to innocent Palestinians. That’s why I joined @RepJayapal and 90+ Democrats in June to call on the U.S. administration to do more.”
• Peters (D-MI) 7/25/25: X-post – “Over recent weeks, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened significantly. There are credible reports that innocent people are going days without eating and that life-threatening violence around aid distribution sites is making it too dangerous for families to get food, water, and medical supplies. It is past time for a lasting ceasefire that ensures that innocent civilians in Gaza receive desperately needed humanitarian aid, secures the release of the remaining hostages, and supports peace and stability in the region.“
• Kelly (D-IL) 7/25/25: X-post – “The surging humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires urgent action. People need food, medicine, and safety. A ceasefire agreement where all hostages can come home and aid can flow into the region is imperative. All people want to live in peace.“
• Garcia (D-CA) 7/25/25: X-post – “The growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the famine unleashed upon children and families is horrific. People are being shot who are trying to get food. We need a full flow of aid and a ceasefire immediately. The war must end so we can save lives and return hostages home.”
• Craig (D-MN) 7/25/25: X-post – “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is not acceptable. Children, families, innocent civilians, doctors and journalists are starving. Now, over 100 foreign aid groups have sounded the alarm, and the situation is only worsening. I’m calling on the Israeli government and the Trump Administration to work swiftly to reach a diplomatic solution, implement an immediate ceasefire and ensure that humanitarian aid – including food – is able to enter Gaza.”
• DeSaulnier (D-CA) 7/25/25: X-post – “The situation in Gaza is dire. Aid groups and the World Health Organization are all in agreement that mass starvation is spreading and needs to be addressed urgently. The Trump Administration needs to do all it can to put pressure on the Netanyahu regime to take immediate action.“
• Ansari (D-AZ) 7/25/25: X-post – “The intensifying starvation in Gaza and attacks on people seeking food are horrifying and must end. Gazans should be able to access aid at humanitarian sites without fear of being gunned down. Netanyahu must stop this. Trump must stop finger-pointing and commit to real diplomacy to end this war immediately.“
• Murray (D-WA) 7/24/25: X-post – “This is a crisis. While I have very little confidence in this administration, I’m calling on POTUS to intervene. No one should starve or die from disease when aid is sitting across the border. Let all humanitarian actors get aid into Gaza. Make sure it can be delivered safely”
• Doggett (D-TX) 7/24/25: X-post – “There is no justification for the pictures the world is seeing daily of emaciated Palestinian children, caught in the crossfire between Hamas’ evil and the extremist Netanyahu government. Over 115 humanitarian organizations have warned their colleagues in Gaza are starving to death. There must be a ceasefire and surge in humanitarian aid immediately.“
• Smith (D-MN) 7/24/25: X-post – “Food and water should never be politicized. Netanyahu’s disregard for civilian life is appalling. The near-total blockade of food and aid into Gaza must end – innocent children are being starved.“
• Raskin (D-MD) 7/24/25: X-post – “Hundreds of hungry Palestinians have been killed near food sites managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation which is funded in part by our tax dollars. This group should not receive our support while Gazans face starvation and violent death every day. The famine and slaughter must end now.“
• Jayapal (D-WA) 7/24/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Earlier this year, @RepRashida and I introduced resolutions to block the sale of specific offensive weapons to Israel. We need to respond to these atrocities with restraint and the assurance that any government will uphold U.S. law and international humanitarian law.“
• Jacobs (D-CA) 7/24/25: X-post – “I am sickened by what we’re seeing in Gaza right now. The IDF has blocked aid while shooting people waiting in food lines for what little aid is actually coming from the sham Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Israel needs to lift its blockade and the U.S. needs to stop sending bombs.”
• Amo (D-RI) 7/24/25: X-post – “The people of Gaza should not starve or be targeted as they seek what little food aid is available. Trump must demand Israel immediately surge sufficient food, water, and medical supplies for Palestinians. There must be an immediate end to this war and suffering.“
• McCollum (D-MN) 7/23/25: “Since 2006, I have proudly defended the human rights of the Palestinian people living in Gaza and the West Bank. For two decades, I have maintained that the United States must not tolerate the apartheid policy of our ally, Israel. Let me be clear: I was horrified by the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7^th, and my heart aches for the remaining hostages and their families who are waiting for them to return home. However, the disproportionate response to this attack by Benjamin Netanyahu’s extremist right-wing government has caused a spiral of death and destruction. Prime Minister Netanyahu is only working with the extremists in his government who would prefer that there are no Palestinians. They have corralled an entire population into an unsafe, untenable, and inhumane situation, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has commanded a barbaric military campaign that has killed or injured more than 50,000 children. The current Israeli government has effectively weaponized aid by initially accepting the provision of food and medicine from third parties and then abruptly reversing course and rejecting aid from international aid groups. The reports of death and starvation in Gaza are agonizing, and now there is credible evidence that foreign doctors, journalists, and aid workers are facing starvation along with the people they are trying to save. Instead of working with our international partners to swiftly provide food and medicine to those who need it, the Trump Administration has hastily propped up the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) which has failed to get food, medicine, or clean water to the people of Gaza. In fact, what started as nearly 400 humanitarian aid sites for 2.1 million Gazans has now dwindled down to only four active sites run by GHF. The lack of distribution sites has caused mass chaos. Palestinians who are fighting for their lives and the lives of their loved ones face nearly impossible odds to get to these distribution sites. The Israel Defense Forces’ response has been to shoot first and ask questions later. The Trump Administration is complicit in this staggering injustice. It is failing to work with other democracies and international organizations to get aid into Gaza, and the American people and the world are taking notice. Instead, this administration continues to support the failed policies of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s extremist government. Just yesterday, House Republicans rejected an amendment in the National Security and State Department appropriations bill that would have provided funding to the East Jerusalem Hospital Network – a faith-based hospital system providing vital services to both Israelis and Palestinians. Even more shocking, the Trump administration last week incinerated 500 metric tons of food meant to help hungry children all over the world, including in Gaza, in what can only be described as a shameful episode of America abdicating its humanitarian obligation. I, along with the world, watch in horror as the Trump Administration buoys Prime Minister Netanyahu’s extremist right-wing government. Never in my worst nightmares did I imagine things would get so bad. No child on this planet should be starved when the United States has the capacity to feed them. I implore my colleagues to consider: How will the world remember us?“
• Bell (D-MO) 7/24/25: X-post – “I’ve always supported Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. That hasn’t changed. But supporting this government’s actions—allowing children to starve and firing on civilians seeking food—is something I can’t stand by. This isn’t self-defense. It must stop.“
• Ritchie (D-NY) 7/24/25: X-post – “Telling Palestinians in Gaza to ‘starve away’ is an evil thing to say. The US must make every effort to secure the release of the hostages, end the war, enable new Palestinian self-governance in Gaza, build a durable peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and expand the Abraham Accords in the service of broader Israeli-Arab peace.” [responding to Fine (R-FL) post, below. Note: while taking a shot at Fine for his “starve away” comment, Ritchie conspicuously does not call for anyone to do anything to actually get urgent aid into Gaza, suggesting his dispute with Fine is more about style than substance.]
• Klobuchar (D-MN) 7/24/25: C-Span X-post – “Acute malnutrition is rising. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in recent weeks while seeking food, most in the vicinity of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution sites and others on the routes of aid convoys. This is simply unacceptable.“
• Lynch (D-MA) 7/24/25: X-post w/ video clip – “What is happening in Gaza is just wrong.   I call on the Trump Administration to condemn attacks against the civilian population.” [speech on video focused on killing of people seeking food & on malnutrition, death from famine]
• Tlaib (D-MI) 7/24/25: X-post – “I’m at the Capitol with Mosab Abu Toha, a teacher, poet, and genocide survivor who escaped Gaza after losing dozens of his family members. We are here to call on my colleagues and government officials to stop funding the genocide in Gaza.“
• Dexter (D-OR) 7/24/25: X-post – “Netanyahu is weaponizing starvation in Gaza. Aid is blocked. Children are dying. The world must act. I am backing legislation reinstating UNRWA to rush life-saving aid into Gaza. I’m demanding answers on the deadly mismanagement at U.S.-backed aid sites. We cannot look away.“
• Velazquez (D-NY) 7/23/25: X-post – “Families in Gaza are starving. Children are dying. People searching for food are being shot. Israel is blocking aid, and over 100 humanitarian groups are sounding the alarm. The U.S. must act now to end the blockade and get life-saving aid to civilians. This is an emergency.“
• Simon (D-CA) 7/23/25: X-post – “Let me be clear, there is a man-made famine in Gaza right now.  This is illegal and it is inhumane, Israel must let humanitarian aid into Gaza immediately.”
• Dexter (D-OR) 7/23/25: floor statement – “I rise today as a mother, a physician, and a Member of Congress horrified by the ongoing massacre in Gaza. This is not a humanitarian crisis in abstract. It is the result of choices, choices leading to preventable famine. While bombs are leveling entire cities, the only so-called aid group  allowed in, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, is annihilating the very principles of neutrality and humanitarian relief.  Now, we are hearing reports that aid will be contingent on a cease-fire. Let me be clear: That is morally bankrupt. You do not negotiate over food. You do not bargain with medicine. Youdo not turn aid sites into deathtraps. Palestinians in Gaza deserve safety, dignity, and the right to self-determination, not starvation. Oregonians have been clear: The United States has a moral obligation to use its power to end this tragedy. A critical step is demanding the U.N. Relief and Works Agency is immediately reinstated in Gaza for large-scale aid delivery.“
• Gallego (D-AZ) 7/23/25: X-post – “When I served in war, I understood the dual obligation to combat terrorists and protect innocent civilians. Netanyahu’s current approach to humanitarian aid in Gaza is failing and must be improved. The suffering of civilians cannot be ignored.”
• Baldwin (D-WI) 7/23/25: X-post – “Starving families that were in line to get food were senselessly gunned down. It’s horrific, illegal, & unacceptable. This war has to end. Palestinian families desperately need aid, Israeli families need their loved ones home, & we need peace, security, and a two-state solution.“
• Pocan (D-WI) 7/23/25: X-post – “There is no excuse for Israel under Netanyahu to block food, bomb aid convoys, and shoot civilians at food lines. It’s abhorrent and illegal. This lifesaving aid must be allowed to enter Gaza ASAP.”
• Dingell (D-MI) 7/23/25: X-post – “Starvation is not self defense. The blockade must end.”
• Casar (D-TX) 7/23/25: X-post – “The Israeli military has killed over 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza seeking aid, and its blockade is starving innocent children. There are no words for how horrifying this is. We must end Netanyahu’s war on Gaza’s civilians, and we must end the United States’ support for it.”
• Ramirez (D-IL) 7/23/25: X-post – “Netanyahu is using starvation as a weapon of war. Since March 2, he has cut off food, medical supplies, and other aid to more than 2 million Palestinians. Enough is enough! Israel must lift its blockade on aid. We must see Gaza Humanitarian Foundation for the sham that it is. The attacks on people waiting for what little aid is offered must stop. The atrocities must end.”
• Jayapal (D-WA) 7/23/25: X-post – “Children are literally starving to death in Gaza. The Israeli government is using starvation as a weapon of war and using our taxpayer dollars to do it. This plain cruelty must stop.”
• Kelly (D-AZ) 7/22/25: X-post – “Israel must stop these attacks on people seeking aid. There are starving children in Gaza and more needs to be done to end this crisis.”
• Panetta (D-CA) 7/22/25: “The reported bloodshed at humanitarian aid sites in Gaza is wrongful and unacceptable.  When efforts to deliver food result in gunfire, stampedes, and civilian and child casualties, GHF must immediately reassess what it is doing and work with the Israeli government and its defense forces to revise its procedures and plans as one of the few distributors of humanitarian aid to Gaza.  GHF should consider using cleared, trusted, and verified NGOs to expand delivery corridors by land, air, and sea, and institute secure, direct-to-civilian aid routes that minimize contact with Hamas. Furthermore, there is a U.S.-led and Qatari and Egyptian-facilitated deal on the table for a 60-day truce between Hamas and Israel, which would be accompanied by the staggered release of all the hostages.  As I have said from the beginning of this conflict, the United States must continue to lead by working with both sides to immediately reach a deal. A deal that will not only stop the violence, but also prompt the release of every hostage, the security of Israel, the administrative and military dismantling of Hamas, and the safe and proper delivery of humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. Moreover, this deal could lay a strong foundation for the larger goals in the region, including a potential resolution of the Palestinian issue, the further isolation of Iran, and a broadening normalization of relations between our Arab partners and the only democracy in the Middle East.“
• Green (D-TX) 7/22/25: video – Rep. Al Green Calls Out Genocide, Ethnic Cleansing, & Collective Punishment of Palestinians in Gaza [full statement in Congressional Record]
• Min (D-CA) 7/22/25: X-post – “What’s happening in Gaza is devastating and heartbreaking, which is why I am once again calling on the Israeli government to ensure that starving Palestinians receive food and other humanitarian aid. The suffering must end.“
• Tran (D-CA) 7/22/25: floor statement – “I rise today to express my horror at the reports coming from Gaza of hundreds of innocent civilians being killed or maimed while they are seeking humanitarian assistance. This is a humanitarian crisis. Congress and the Trump administration must take action to put an end to the violence. Killing those seeking food is incompatible with the pursuit of peace. The choice by Israeli leadership to engage in military actions at aid sites endangers all innocent Palestinians and Israelis who deserve to live with dignity. I am the child of refugees. My parents were forced to flee because they feared for their own lives in their home country. The United States must ensure that the Palestinian people can live their lives in peace without the fear that they will be killed in line for food.“
• Garcia (D-IL) 7/21/25: X-post – “As they starve under an Israeli-imposed blockade, Palestinians are being shot at for seeking food and water. I join the Pope as he once again calls for an end to the barbarity in Gaza.“
• Scholten (D-MI) 7/21/25: X-post – “I’m heartbroken and deeply concerned about the loss of innocent lives this weekend in Gaza. Innocent people seeking aid and food MUST be able to do so without harm as we work toward an end to this humanitarian crisis.”
• Foushee (D-NC) 7/21/25: X-post – “Trump’s aid plan for Gaza doesn’t work. Starving civilians are being met with gunfire at aid sites—it’s inhumane and unacceptable. I continue to call for a ceasefire to ensure the flow of aid to the region and safe return of the remaining hostages.”
• Dingell (D-MI) 7/19/25: X-post – “‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.’ Yet, hungry people desperate to reach a legitimate food distribution center are being fired upon and killed. The desperation of hunger is not a crime. This is not defense, it’s a humanitarian failure.“

Zero Concern About Famine in Gaza, except to blame Hamas

• Scott (R-FL) 7/25/25: X-post – “I’m sick and tired of terrorist sympathizers blaming Israel for people starving in Gaza. That’s a flat-out lie. HAMAS is stealing aid from the people of Gaza and starving innocent people, including the hostages they hold. It has been 658 days, and every day that goes by could be their last. We can’t rest until we bring them all home!“
• Scott (R-FL) 7/23/25: X-post – “While Hamas terrorists feast on food they stole from civilians in Gaza, the innocent hostages Hamas has held for 656 days are starving to death. It’s disgusting and pure evil. Enough is enough — Bring them all home!” — linked to what appears to be an old video being circulated by the IDF
• Fine (R-FL) 7/23/25: X-post – “When you wonder why I don’t give a shit about Gazans, here is one reason. As if it wasn’t enough, there are 1450 more.” Linked to X-post about a 22-year-old Israel woman killed 10/7/23 at the Nova Festival.
• Fine (R-FL) 7/23/25: X-post – “To the people fighting for Muslim terrorists, harassing staff in the cafeteria, and storming Congressional offices. I have a message for them.” with image with text: I WILL ALWAYS STAND AGAINST TERRORISTS
• Fine (R-FL) 7/22/25: X-post – “Terror raggies don’t bother me.” [referring to activists from Code Pink calling him out re: Gaza]
• Fine (R-FL) 7/22/25: X-post – “Release the hostages. Until then, starve away. (This is all a lie anyway. It amazes me that the media continues to regurgitate Muslim terror propaganda.)” This post by Fine was tsk tsk’d 7/23/25 by the American Jewish Committee (which perhaps recognized that sounding too pro-starvation of 2+ million people, even as there is now a constant stream of photos of emaciated dead and dying Palestinians, including children, is a bad look for Israel and its defenders), which posted: “The serious humanitarian situation in Gaza must not be taken lightly, especially by those at the highest levels of government. Implying that starvation is a legitimate tactic is unacceptable. All those in need of humanitarian aid should receive it promptly and safely. Our leaders must focus less on scoring political points and more on doing their jobs.”

GOP Love for Israel & Trump Admin

• Scott (R-FL) 7/23/25: X-post – “.@VoteRandyFine will do a great job standing up for Israel” [responding to news that the GOP put Fine on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, while Democrats put Rep. Omar (D-MN) back on that committee (Republicans threw her off the committee in 2023)]
• Hawley (R-MO) 7/23/25: X-post – “Hahahah – pro-Hamas CRAZIES tried to disrupt another event this morning. What a bunch of nutcases. I’m proud as ever to stand for America and our ally Israel” Fine (R-FL) responded on X: “Stand your ground, Senator. Don’t let the delusional, paid protesters push their Muslim terror narrative in America. I’ll hold it down on the House side. Americans need Republicans to be united on this.”
• Daines (D-MT) 7/23/25: X-post – “Thanks to the incredible strength of the Israeli military & the leadership of @POTUS, I’m optimistic about a ceasefire between Israel & Gaza.“
• Luna (R-FL) 7/19/25: X-post – “A few months back, I asked the Israeli government directly about a prior strike that hit a Christian church in Gaza. I also reached out to the Gov. of Syria regarding the strike a few days ago. These continued aggressions— after @POTUS has been VERY CLEAR ABOUT PEACE in GAZA and backing Syria— should not go unchecked. Thank you @GovMikeHuckabee for your strong leadership on this.”
• Fetterman (D-PA) 7/19/25: X-post – “For nearly 2 years, the media normalized hostages held in hellish places. To the tunnel rats: the world knows you and Iran have been broken. Disarming yourselves and freeing the hostages would bring peace to Gaza.”
• Bacon (R-NE) 7/18/25: X-post – “No two state solution until Palestinians are ready to have peace with the Jewish state of Israel.“

Re: Israel Looking for US Help/Supporting in Ethnically Cleansing Gaza

• Van Hollen (D-MD) 7/18/25: X-post – “A truly outrageous and sickening request from the Netanyahu government. The U.S. should not be complicit in or use ANY governmental, American taxpayer resources to aid and abet what amounts to the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian civilians from Gaza.  We cannot stand for this” – Responding to Axios article, Scoop: Israel seeks U.S. help on deals to move Palestinians out of Gaza

Meanwhile, re: the West Bank

• Tlaib (D-MN) 7/24/25: X-post – “It’s unbelievable that American politicians and media outlets still get away with genocide denial every single day while the Israeli government is voting overwhelmingly to put their war crimes in the legislative record. This is unambiguously illegal, and they’re proud of it.” With screenshot of Times of Israel headline, “Knesset votes 71-13 for non-binding motion calling to annex West Bank” [full article]
• Tenney (R-NY) 7/23/25: X-post – “Historic moment in Israel: the Knesset just passed a resolution supporting asserting sovereignty over Judea & Samaria. These regions are not “occupied”; they are the ancestral heartland of the Jewish people. As Chair of the Friends of Judea & Samaria Caucus, I will continue to stand with Israel & its right to exist, securely & sovereignly.“
• Quigley (D-IL) 7/23/25: X-post – “Saif Musallet was an American citizen visiting family in the West Bank. He was beaten to death by Israeli settlers. There must be an independent investigation into Saif’s murder. With violence against Palestinian civilians increasing every day, we can not let his death — the death of an American — go unanswered.“
• Quigley (D-IL) 7/22/25: “I was horrified by the murder of 20‑year‑old Palestinian‑American Sayfollah ‘Saif’ Musallet in the West Bank. There must be an independent investigation into Saif’s murder, and those responsible must be held accountable. I am a proud cosponsor of the West Bank Violence Prevention Act to bring an end to violence in the West Bank and ensure that any perpetrators are brought to justice. Amid their grief, Saif’s family has asked only for an end to the violence in the West Bank. Congress must do our part to provide them that justice. Over the weekend, I was equally horrified by the 94 Palestinians who were killed while seeking food aid and at least 33 people, including 12 children, who died of starvation. The time for Israeli reassurances about food aid has long passed. The United Nations must resume full control of humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip. More than 80 children have died of malnutrition since the war began, and 90,000 women and children are now in urgent need of treatment. These conditions are unacceptable and must come to an immediate end. As Israel’s closest ally, we have an obligation to hold our friends to the same standard we would any other international actor. That is why I am urging an immediate ceasefire and for Israel to immediately reinstate UN control over humanitarian aid distribution.”
• Moore (R-UT) 7/21/25: X-post – “The death of an American citizen in the West Bank by a group of settlement residents on July 11 should have never happened and demands a full investigation from the Israeli government. The U.S. and Israel have a remarkable opportunity to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East after Operation Midnight Hammer and the decimation of Iran’s proxy terrorist network, but these types of tragedies detract from and threaten to derail that incredible potential. Ambassador Huckabee and the Trump administration are right to call for accountability.“
• Sanders (I-VT) 7/19/25: X-post – “Netanyahu’s atrocities are not limited to Gaza. He has also unleashed terrorist settlers in the West Bank who attack civilians and recently beat a young American to death. Even Trump’s ambassador, Mike Huckabee, called this a “terrorist act.” NO MORE MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL.“

We Don’t Mind Famine/Genocide but We Draw the Line at a Slogan (that we define to mean something the people who use it say it doesn’t mean)

• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/20/25: X-post w/ video clip – “There are no two sides to the meaning of ‘Globalize the Intifada.’ It’s hate speech, plain and simple. That’s why I’m proud to introduce a resolution with @RepRudyYakym condemning this antisemitic slogan. Everyone must step up to combat rising Jew hatred.” [covered in last week’s Round-Up]
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/19/25: X-post – “‘The Intifada’ refers to a horrific wave of terror attacks that killed thousands of Jews. Globalizing it is a direct call for violence against Jews. It’s time to pass my bipartisan resolution condemning this hate-filled slogan.”

Iran, Iran, Iran

• Daines (R-MT) 7/23/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Strengthening the relationship between Israel & Azerbaijan is critical for national security & countering the threats that Israel faces from Iran.“
• Daines (R-MT) 7/23/25: X-post w/ video clip – “The Iranians chant ‘Death to America” & “Death to Israel.’ They should never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.”
• Cotton (R-AR) 7/22/25: X-post – “Iran’s ‘space program’ is nothing more than a ridiculous charade designed to hide their efforts to develop long-range ballistic missiles to attack America and our allies. Don’t be fooled by their propaganda.“
• Shreve (R-IN) 7/21/25: Representative Shreve Introduces Bill to Counter Iran’s Regime of Terror [covered in last week’s Round-Up]

More $$$ & Weapons for Israel!

• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/22/25: X-post – “As the parent company of terror, Iran and its proxies continue to attack U.S. and Israeli service members, civilians, and families. I’m proud the House passed my piece of bipartisan legislation to defend our troops, protect civilians, and support our key democratic ally, Israel, against increasing threats from killer drones.” Commenting on JNS 7/18/25 article – House passes defense appropriations bill with millions for Israel
• Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) 7/20/25: X-post – “Marjorie Taylor Greene’s amendment does nothing to cut off offensive aid to Israel nor end the flow of US munitions being used in Gaza. Of course I voted against it. What it does do is cut off defensive Iron Dome capacities while allowing the actual bombs killing Palestinians to continue. I have long stated that I do not believe that adding to the death count of innocent victims to this war is constructive to its end. That is a simple and clear difference of opinion that has long been established. I remain focused on cutting the flow of US munitions that are being used to perpetuate the genocide in Gaza.”
  • NOTE: This post from Ocasio-Cortez, responding to criticism for her vote against Greene’s amendment, sparked even more outrage and backlash, including, for example, from Human rights attorney & Professor Noura Erakat, “Saying nothing would have been better than this gaslighting. The structural problem is US provision of weapons & impunity. It’s necessary to undermine that structure. Distinguishing bw offensive & defensive weapons attempts to normalize our role in genocide & how we got here.”; from lawyer Jenin Younes, “You voted to keep sending money to a terrorist regime that’s committing genocide. It doesn’t matter what the money is earmarked for. unbelievable“; and from former UN official and human rights lawyer Craig Mokhiber, “Respectfully, Representative, you have just voted to send weapons to a regime that the ICJ and all human rights organizations have affirmed is an apartheid regime, that is on trial for genocide in the ICJ, and the leaders of which are indicted by the ICC for crimes against humanity. This is not acumen or discernment. It’s complicity. And I think you know it.“
  • This escalated further with accusations that AOC had voted for military aid for Israel during this genocide. Ocasio-Cortez responded on X: “Google is free. If you’re saying I voted for military funding, you are lying. Receipts attached. Drag me for my positions all you want, but lying about them doesn’t make you part of the ‘left.’ If you believe neo-nazis are welcome and operating in good faith, you can have them!“

Anniversary of 1994 AMIA bombing

• House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 7/18/25: X-post – “The AMIA bombing was the deadliest antisemitic attack in the West Hemisphere—85 murdered by Iran-backed Hezbollah. 31 years later, we’re still demanding justice. Was honored to host an event commemorating the anniversary with @alejandrito.“
• Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 7/18/25: X-post – “Earlier this week, I joined in honoring and mourning the 85 innocent lives who were brutally murdered, and the more than 300 injured, in the deadliest antisemitic terrorist attack in Argentina’s history. On July 18, 1994, the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA) headquarters in Buenos Aires was targeted in a blatant act of antisemitism.   As co-chair of the Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus, I remain committed to demanding justice and accountability for the vile perpetrators of this crime, including Iran’s former Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi and other terrorists.   We must never forget the victims, and we must continue to condemn the alarming rise of antisemitism and hold accountable those who commit such heinous acts.“
• Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 7/21/25: Díaz-Balart, Wasserman Schultz, Gonzales, Espaillat Lead Latino-Jewish Caucus in Marking Anniversary of AMIA Jewish Center Bombing, Demand Accountability [covered in last week’s Round-Up]

Mamdani Obessession

• Fine (R-FL) 7/23/25: X-post – “This is what is going to happen to flights out of NYC if Mamdani gets get elected. We can’t let Muslim Terrorists start a caliphate in our country like they have in Europe.” Responding to X-post from Eyal Yakoby: “BREAKING: Fifty Jewish French children, aged 10 – 15, were singing Hebrew songs on the plane. The Islamist @vueling airline crew said that Israel is a terrorist state and forced the children off the aircraft. I’m sure they’ll be in court soon.” Also see: the airline’s version of the story
• Gottheimer (D-NY) 7/22/25: X-post – “We need Democrats who want to combat higher taxes. We need Democrats who can lead and ensure that government runs well. We don’t need tax-raising socialists who refuse to condemn antisemitic hate speech.” [targeting Mamdani]

Targeting Academia/Free Speech/Right to Protest

• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/24/25: X-post – “Earlier this year, violent anti-Israel protesters stormed Columbia’s library — pushing security guards and trapping students studying for finals. I’m glad to see @Columbia finally hold those involved accountable. No student should ever be afraid to go to class.“
• House Committee on Education & the Workforce (GOP) 7/24/25: X-post- “America’s biggest teachers union shows its true colors once again. @NEAToday is attempting to erase the deaths of more than 6 million Jews during the Holocaust while pushing anti-Israel, antisemitic ideology masquerading as educational tools. How could anyone think this is okay?” Responding to Free Beacon 7/23/24 article – Largest Teachers’ Union in United States Erases Jews From the Holocaust
• Fine (R-FL) 7/23/25: X-post – “Extraordinary. @realDonaldTrump is dismantling Muslim Terror on our college campuses. No President has ever notched so many wins this fast. An extraordinary moment for young American Jews — and everyone who loves America.” With pic of New York Post headline, “Columbia University to pay out more than $200M after violating Jewish students’ civil rights in massive win for Trump Admin“
• House Committee on Education & Reform (GOP) 7/23/25:  “Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) issued the following statement in response to Columbia University’s agreement with the Trump administration: ‘The need for a federal settlement underscores Columbia’s lack of institutional willingness to effectively respond to antisemitism. This school and its so-called leaders have failed time and time again to keep Jewish students, faculty, and staff safe. True progress requires universities to confront antisemitism proactively, in partnership with affected communities. We will closely monitor Columbia’s purported commitment to this agreement and continue to develop legislative solutions to address antisemitism. All colleges and universities must fulfill their legal obligations under federal antidiscrimination law.'”
• House Committee on Education & Reform (GOP) 7/22/25:  “Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) issued the following statement on today’s news that Columbia is reportedly disciplining students for the violent, antisemitic encampments and takeover of the library: ‘Columbia has more progress to make before Jewish students can truly feel safe on its campus. The Committee’s work has underscored the depth and breadth of antisemitism at Columbia that can’t be ignored. We will continue to investigate antisemitism at Columbia and other universities and develop legislative solutions to address this persistent problem. Our nation’s institutions of higher education must fulfill their legal obligations under federal antidiscrimination law.'”
• Gomez (D-CA) 7/22/25: X-post – “Trump isn’t defunding Harvard to combat antisemitism on campus — he’s trying to gain control over decision-making at independent universities, even at the cost of research that saves lives and shapes our future.“
• Hunt (R-TX) 7/22/25: X-post – “Anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil makes his rounds in D.C. visiting legislators who supported him during his detention. Khalil’s detention came after he started riots at Columbia University. Dem’s are making him a ‘star’ because they don’t have one.“

HOW DARE FRANCE RECOGNIZE PALESTINE?

• Ogles (R-TN) 7/25/25: X-post – “France is moving to recognize a Palestinian state; make no mistake, this is a pro-Hamas decision. Macron should be focused on rooting out the terror cells inside France, not legitimizing them abroad.“
• Tenney (R-NY) 7/25/25: X-post – “It is deeply disappointing to see President Macron push to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN, especially while radical Palestinian terrorists still hold hostages and continue a campaign of terror. Having a “Western” nation openly embrace terrorism is beyond shameful. France now aligns itself with Russia and China instead of the United States and Europe. This move rewards Hamas, undermines Israel’s right to self-defense, and dishonors the victims of October 7th.“
• McCormick (R-PA) 7/25/25: X-post – “France’s unilateral recognition of a Palestinian State will neither bring about a ceasefire or help the people of Gaza. Instead, it emboldens terrorists and their barbaric tactics. We know the path to peace demonstrated by the Abraham Accords: direct negotiations that foster economic growth and promote regional stability.“
• Harrigan (R-NC) 7/25/25: X-post – “.@EmmanuelMacron’s push to recognize a Palestinian state is reckless. It props up Hamas, buries the peace process, and dishonors the victims of October 7. The United States should oppose it completely.”
• Schneider (D-IL) 7/25/25: from his statement on Gaza – “France’s announcement of pending recognition of a Palestinian state is premature and unhelpful. It rewards Hamas’s terror rather than advancing the necessary steps to achieve peace.“
• Steube (R-FL) 7/25/25: “Grateful to have a Commander in Chief who doesn’t cater to Hamas’ demands. The French could learn a thing or two from President Trump about peace through strength.“
• Messmer (R-IN) 7/25/25: X-post – “Israel is fighting a war for its very existence against barbarous Hamas terrorism! I find it shameful that any country would choose to side with terrorists who are torturing hostages in their tunnels. Israeli citizens deserve to live in Peace. I stand with Israel.“
• House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 7/24/25: X-post – “.@RepBrianMast: ‘Choosing to reward terrorism, hostage taking, and genocide against Jews is the wrong choice.’”
• Graham (R-SC) 7/24/25: X-post – “The French government’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state is curious and disturbing on multiple levels. I am certain this will embolden Hamas and make a ceasefire more difficult.   In addition, here are some questions that come to mind. Who’s in charge? What are the borders and boundaries? What is the governance structure? Does Hamas stay involved politically or militarily? Is the West Bank and Gaza part of a single state? Are they allowed to have an army? Does the education system change?   Other than these few missing details, it seems like a foolproof plan!“
• Cotton (R-AR) 7/24/25: X-post – “This is a shameful endorsement of terrorists. The best way for this conflict to end is to back Israel in its righteous mission of rescuing the hostages and defeating Hamas.“
• Fine (R-FL) 7/24/25: X-post – “France has a long history of surrendering. They surrendered their country to Muslim terrorists long ago. Now they want to surrender the Holy Land to Hamas. America and Israel don’t surrender, especially to countries like ‘Palestine’ that don’t exist .”
• Gimenez (R-FL) 7/24/25: X-post – “The democratic Jewish State of Israel is America’s closest ally on earth. President @EmmanuelMacron’s recognition of Palestine as a state is a slap to the face to the Jewish community & the state of Israel. President Macron must rethink this decision and side with freedom & democracy, not a terrorist regime.“

Other stuff

• Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 7/25/25: X-post – “Another example of Petro aligning himself with malign actors, in this case with Hamas terrorists“. Responding to post from the president of Columbia (translated): “Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President @PetroGustavo ordered: Not a single ton of coal will go to Israel, and I take responsibility,’ the president assured that Colombia will not be complicit in a genocide.“
• Welch (D-VT) 7/24/25: X-post – “I met with Dylan Collins, a Vermonter and video journalist, who survived a targeted attack by Israel Defense Forces while reporting in Southern Lebanon. I’ll continue to demand that the U.S. hold the Israeli government accountable for assaults on journalists and U.S. citizens.“
• Tlaib (D-MI) 7/24/25: X-post – “Sinn Féin President @MaryLouMcDonald is not afraid to speak truth to power. I am grateful for her commitment to ending the genocide in Gaza. May we live to see a free Palestine and a United Ireland.“
• Welch (D-VT) 7/23/25: X-post – “I met with Mahmoud Khalil, who was imprisoned by the Trump Administration for peacefully protesting the war in Gaza. Punishing people for exercising their freedom of speech is a danger to our democracy. His advocacy never wavered. Neither should ours.“
• Bacon (R-NE) 7/23/25: X-post – “America must be better than this. Congressional staffers, whether Republican or Democrat, should feel welcome and safe no matter their religion or ethnicity.” Responding to Jewish Insider article, The new normal for Jewish Democratic staffers on Capitol Hill: isolated, fearful, united
• Welch (D-VT) 7/22/25: Vermont Delegation Meets with Dylan Collins, Demands Accountability for Targeted Attack Against International Journalists in Lebanon
• Meeks (D-NY) 7/22/25: Meeks Statement on the Trump Administration Withdrawing the U.S. from UNESCO [“…Contrary to the Trump administration’s smears against UNESCO, our withdrawal from this body only weakens our ability to combat antisemitism and anti-Israel bias…]
• Schneider (D-IL) 7/21/25: X-post – “Turkey illegally invaded Cyprus 51 years ago. Turkey continues to illegally occupy a third of the island, and as Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Israel Alliance Caucus, I remain committed to supporting Cyprus’s reunification and sovereignty. That’s why I introduced the Turkey Diplomatic Realignment Act [HR 1890] and Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act [HR 3307]. These bipartisan bills push back on Turkey’s destabilizing activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and strengthen our partnerships with key regional allies.” Linked to Reuters 7/20/25 article, Greeks mourn, Turks celebrate anniversary of invasion that split Cyprus
• Ramirez (D-IL) 7/20/25: X-post – “Antisemitic, anti-Palestinian, and antimigrant [sic] violence are all rooted in white supremacy— and this weekend, our communities witnessed it once again.   As we condemn the appalling attack on our shared humanity and hold those who perpetrate hate accountable, we must recognize our interconnected struggle against all forms of bigotry. Our collective safety depends on it.”

Targeting Criticism/Critics of Israel, Free Speech, Protest

• Newsmax 7/24/25: Rep. Fine to Newsmax: ‘No More Lip Service’ From Schools Like Columbia [“‘They’re implementing the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which will say that many of these protests they had on campus were antisemitic,’ said Fine… ‘Adopting the IHRA definition is a huge deal,’ he said, explaining that means that anti-Zionism equates to antisemitism, which will have a ‘big impact’ on protester groups.”]

Congress Targeting of NGOs

• Haaretz 7/24/25: Did Biden Really Send a Billion Dollars to Sabotage Netanyahu? Inside a Conspiratorial GOP Report From a Parallel Reality
• Jerusalem Post 7/24/25: Likud seeks inquiry into foreign funding of Israeli protests [“The move comes days after Likud issued a statement citing what it called ‘astonishing revelations’ contained in an official document recently published by the US Congress.”]

Other stuff

• Jewish Insider 7/24/25: Senate committee delays ethics watchdog’s confirmation hearing amid GOP questions [“Paul Ingrassia has a record of conspiratorial comments, including calling the the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks a ‘psyop’ and defending prominent antisemites“]
• The Hill 7/23/25: Hawley temporarily escorted off stage after conference interrupted by protesters
• Zeteo 7/23/25: On a Mission: Mahmoud Khalil Visits Capitol Hill
• Jacobin 7/23/25: AIPAC-Backed Lawmakers Are Pushing AI Funding for Israel
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/18/25: Biden admin let $900m in federal funds go to terror, anti-Netanyahu protests, House panel says
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/18/25: House passes defense appropriations bill with millions for Israel
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/18/25: Bipartisan reps introduce resolution to censure use of ‘globalize the intifada’ [covered in last week’s Round-Up]