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

New from FMEP:

• New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, What Harvard’s Antisemitism and Islamophobia Reports Get Wrong, ft. FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Dr. Lara Jirmanus and Professor Atalia Omer about the Harvard University’s two new reports, one on Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian bias and the other on antisemitism and anti-Israel bias.

1. Bills & Resolutions

Targeting Free Speech/Protest/Civil Society

• (THE RETURN OF THE “NON-PROFIT KILLER” LEGISLATION – UPDATE): As covered in last week’s Round-Up, on the House Ways & Means Committee passed Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” (1BBB) with the text of the “Non-Profit Killer” legislation included at the very end of the 389 bill. This week, on 5/19/25, the House Rules Committee released the version of the 1BBB that would be going to the House floor. That version did not include the the text of the “Non-Profit Killer” legislation, reportedly because House leadership believed it would inevitably be removed by the Senate parliamentarian in compliance with the Byrd Rule. For more see: Measure targeting pro-Palestine NGOs disappears from US tax bill (Al Jazeera 5/19/25 — see: “Lara Friedman, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, said it would be ‘interesting’ to see how Republican leaders would deal with staunchly pro-Israel measures like the ‘nonprofit killer’ going forward. ‘They on the one hand likely see this as a fun opportunity to embarrass Democrats – whose opposition will be framed as anti-Israel or enabling terror and antisemitism – and on the other hand they have to worry about principled opposition from within their own ranks,’ Friedman told Al Jazeera in a statement.“); ‘Nonprofit Killer’ Pulled From GOP Tax Bill—For Now (Common Dreams 5/19/25); Nonprofit Killer Provision Quietly Disappears From Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” (The Intercept 5/19/25)

Gaza

• (HUMANITARIAN AID FOR GAZA – NOW!) S. Res. 224: Introduced 5/13/25 by Welch (D-VT) and 27 cosponsors (25 Democrats plus 2 Independents), “A resolution calling for the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. UPDATE: On 5/20/25, Welch took to the Senate floor to speak in support of S. Res. 224 and request Unanimous Consent for a vote on the measure. Van Hollen (D-MD) spoke in support. The UC request was blocked by Republicans, with Risch (R-ID) speaking on the floor in opposition. See: 5/20/25 Senate floor action; Welch press release 5/21/25: 45 Senators Join Welch’s Senate Resolution Calling for End to Siege on Gaza – Republicans Block Passage; Resolution calling for ‘urgent delivery’ of Gaza aid co-sponsored by nearly all Senate Democrats (Jewish Telegraphic Agency 5/20/25 — “Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont, who introduced the resolution, spoke next to a large image of a Gazan infant who died.”]

Trump & the Gulf

• (QATAR’S JET PLANE GIFT TO TRUMP) S. 1804: Introduced 5/19/25 by Schumer (D-NY) and 2 Democratic cosponsors, “A bill to prohibit the use of funds to procure or modify foreign aircraft for presidential airlift.” Referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Also see: Scoop: Schumer to seek vote on blocking Qatar’s gift to Trump (Axios 5/19/25)
• (TRUMP CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, INCL W/ KSA, QATAR & UAE) S. Res. 242: Introduced 5/21/25 by Blumethal (D-CT), “A resolution condemning the private business agreements of President Donald J. Trump with foreign governments for posing unacceptable conflicts of interest, affirming such agreements violate the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the Constitution of the United States, and demanding the transfer of any proceeds from such agreements to the United States Government.“ Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.  Also see: press release – Video: Ahead of Trump Crypto Dinner, Blumenthal Takes to the Senate Floor to Condemn Trump Corruption
• (TRUMP CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, INCL W/ DUBAI) S. Res. 243: Introduced 5/21/25 by Blumethal (D-CT), “A resolution condemning the financial entanglements of World Liberty Financial, Inc. with President Donald J. Trump, the Trump family, and the Trump Administration.“ Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Also see: press release – Video: Ahead of Trump Crypto Dinner, Blumenthal Takes to the Senate Floor to Condemn Trump Corruption
  
• (TRUMP CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, INCL W/ QATAR) S. Res. 244: Introduced 5/21/25 by Blumethal (D-CT), “A resolution affirming that the underlying purpose of the Foreign Emoluments Clause renders the acceptance and transfer of a plane from the government of Qatar, without the explicit consent of Congress, an illegal emolument, withholding the consent of the Senate to the acceptance and transfer of plane from the government of Qatar, and demanding the transfer of any plane received by President Donald J. Trump or entities under his control from the government of Qatar to the permanent control of the United States Government.“ Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Also see: press release – Video: Ahead of Trump Crypto Dinner, Blumenthal Takes to the Senate Floor to Condemn Trump Corruption

Iran

• (IRAN SANCTIONS) S. 1889: Introduced 5/22/25 by Scott (R-SC), “A bill to repeal the sunset provision of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996.“  Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Other stuff

• (TURKEY) S. Res. 257: Introduced 5/22/25 by Schiff (D-CA) and Durbin (D-IL), “A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate concerning the arrest and continued detention of Ekrem Imamoglu and urging the Government of Turkiye to uphold democratic values.“ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
• (ONE TO WATCH) HR 3550:  Introduced 5/21/25 by Mace (R-SC), “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to refugee admission and resettlement.”  Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. NOTE: No text is available yet, nor has Mace issued a press release, so it is not yet clear what this is about.

 2. Letters

3. Hearings

(With one exception, this section does NOT include the many, many, many statements and social media posts condemning the killing of two Israeli embassy staff members outside an event at the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, by a shooter who, according to his own words shouted on the scene and written in manifesto, acted to protest Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza — including the many, many statements using the killing as a hook to attack all free speech/activism in support of Palestinian lives/rights. It’s just to much to cover. Check social media and members’ websites for yourself.)

Randy Fine on the Killing of 2 Israeli Embassy Staff members

• Fine (R-FL) 5/21/25: X-post – “Muslim terror has come to our Nation’s Capital tonight. Two Jews were assassinated by a gunman sporting a terror rag and yelling ‘Free Palestine.’ It is high time for us to acknowledge there is nothing peaceful about this movement and that these demons must be put down by any means necessary.” NOTE: The attacker was not Muslim. Also, this appears to be open incitement to lethal violance against any and every person who dares to engage in First Amendment-protected free speech in support of Palestinian lives/rights.
• Also see: US congressman suggests nuclear strike on Gaza after DC attack on Israeli diplomats [“Rep. Randy Fine compares Gaza to WWII Japan, calls for unconditional surrender following killing of two Israeli embassy staffers“] (YNet 5/22/25); GOP Lawmaker Makes Chilling Threat After Israeli Embassy Staff Killed [“Republicans are already using the killing of two Israeli Embassy aides to ‘nuke’ Gaza.“] (The New Republic 5/22/25)

Concern for Palestinians

• Doggett (D-TX) 5/21/25: X-post – “Not even one baby should be allowed to starve, but by Netanyahu blocking aid to Gaza, 14,000 babies risk death soon unless the blockade is fully lifted. These innocents are guilty of nothing. Permitting so few trucks to enter after over 70 days has been rightly described as a ‘drop in the ocean’ of what’s needed.“
• Murphy (D-CT) 5/21/25: X-post – “500,000 people are facing starvation and the small amount of aid Israel has allowed into Gaza is not nearly enough. Now Netanyahu is pursuing a plan to re-occupy Gaza. He should end the war, bring the hostages home, and stave off starvation. A new invasion does the opposite.“
• Heinrich (D-NM) 5/21/25: Heinrich, Colleagues Introduce Senate Resolution Denouncing Two-Month Blockade on Food and Medicine in Gaza (S. Res. 224, introduced 5/13/25)
• Ocasio-Cortex (D-NY) 5/21/25: Ocasio-Cortez Statement on Worsening Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza [“Israel’s blockade of food and humanitarian assistance to Gaza is in violation of international law. Another 14,000 babies face severe malnutrition if the Israeli government does not reverse course. The United States can prevent this atrocity. We must pressure the Israeli government to open up more routes for humanitarian aid and finally uphold the law by stopping further weapons transfers to Israel.“]
• Romman (D-GA) 5/20/25: X-post – “Babies can only have milk. They can’t even have water. Since Israel is banning all aid including baby formula, these babies will die. And since Israel is also starving everyone in Gaza, moms can’t nurse their babies either. They’re just watching their babies die as they die to.“
• Jayapal (D-WA) 5/20/25: X-post – “Last night, @SenPeterWelch and I hosted a viewing of No Other Land — an Oscar-winning film about violence and destruction in the occupied West Bank. Thank you to Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, and Rachel Szor for letting us share this important story at the Capitol.“
• Tlaib (D-MI) 5/19/25: X-post – “Israeli forces have begun a full-scale invasion to ethnically cleanse all Palestinians from Gaza. War Criminal Netanyahu announced plans to forcibly expel the entire population and permanently occupy the land. This is the final stage of their genocide. World leaders must impose sanctions and a full arms embargo.”
• Tlaib (D-MI) 5/19/25: X-post – “Israeli forces have begun a full-scale invasion to ethnically cleanse all Palestinians from Gaza. War Criminal Netanyahu announced plans to forcibly expel the entire population and permanently occupy the land. This is the final stage of their genocide. World leaders must impose sanctions and a full arms embargo.“
• Tlaib (D-MI) 5/19/25: X-post – “18 pages of babies who didn’t live to see their first birthday.“
• Warner (D-VA) 5/19/25: X-post – “Trump’s back in the U.S. today after a Middle East trip full of open self-dealing and a foolish move to cede American AI leadership to other countries. This administration really only seems interested in enriching itself while doing absolutely nothing to lower Americans’ costs.“
• Green (D-TX) 5/18/25: X-post – “ICYMI URGENT: Rep. Al Green Opposes Collective Punishment and Ethnic Cleansing in Gaza and Stands for Peace with a Two-State Solution“
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 5/17/25: X-post – “Let food into Gaza NOW! Netanyahu & his govt are starving 2M civilians. This is day 76 of the blockade. Trucks with food are waiting to get in but are blocked. Children have already died from withholding food. The U.S. is complicit in this gross violation of international law.”
• McCollum (D-MN) 5/16/25; X-post – “The use of bunker-busting bombs by Israeli Defense Forces to target civilian hospitals must stop immediately. Strikes on civilians are completely unacceptable. The people of Gaza are on the brink of starvation, and Israeli actions to bomb hospitals are driving the region further from peace. The United States and the international community must focus on delivering humanitarian aid to those in need as quickly as possible.”
• Warner (D-VA) 5/16/25: X-post – “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is devastating and must end. Israeli authorities must allow aid to reach Palestinian civilians, and we must continue working towards a lasting ceasefire that includes the safe return of all remaining hostages.”

WE STAND WITH ISRAEL!

• Scott (R-FL) 5/22/25: X-post – “Everyone who wants peace in the Middle East knows Hamas must be destroyed, yet the governments of France, the UK, and Canada threaten Israel for doing exactly what is needed. This is hypocrisy and rank politics at the expense of Israelis’ security. It bears repeating: what happened 594 days ago on Oct. 7th changed everything. Israeli lives are just as precious as than any other lives.“
• Torres (D-NY) 5/21/25: X-post – “There is no genocide in South Africa. There is no genocide in Gaza. Stop debasing the term ‘genocide’—a word reserved for the gravest crime against humanity—by deploying it as a weapon of ideological warfare.“
• Issa (R-CA) 5/20/25: X-post – “Hamas launched its evil Oct. 7 2023 terror attack with the goal of stopping Israel and Saudi Arabia from normalizing relations.“
• Fetterman (D-PA) 5/20/25: X-post – “The same demands for a ceasefire last year were wrong then and are wrong now. Israel should resist this. If Hamas remains armed, there will never be Peace. They must be disarmed and the hostages released.“
• Nadler (D-NY) 5/19/25: X-post – “Proud to march in this year’s Israel Day Parade alongside former hostages, their families, and tens of thousands calling to bring them all home now. As a lifelong Zionist, I continue to fight for the Israel envisaged in the Declaration of Independence: ‘The State of Israel will be based on the precepts of liberty, justice and peace taught by the Hebrew Prophets; will uphold the full social and political equality of all its citizens, without distinction of race, creed or sex; will guarantee full freedom of conscience, worship, education and culture.'”
• Meeks (D-NY) 5/19/25: X-post – “RM @RepGregoryMeeks: Met with Israeli Amb. Leiter last week, where I reaffirmed Congress’s bipartisan support for the US-Israel relationship, and reiterated urgency in working to bring home the remaining hostages, surge humanitarian aid and bring the war in Gaza to a lasting end.“
• Schumer (D-NY) 5/19/25: Leader Schumer Floor Remarks Calling On Hamas To Release The Remaining Hostages And Imploring All Sides To Come To The Table To Move Toward A Durable Peace
• Lawler (R-NY) 5/18/25: X-post – “I’m proud to stand with Israel and it was a pleasure to march in the Israel Day Parade today in New York City.“

Targeting Free Speech/Academia/Protest/Civil Society

• Torres (D-NY) 5/20/25: X-post – “Just a few hours ago, I reviewed a classroom presentation that objects to labeling Hamas as a “terrorist organization” even as it vilifies Israel as a ‘settler-colonial state.’ Any professor who expresses more empathy for the murderers of Hamas than for the victims in Israel is utterly unfit to educate the next generation of Americans.“
• Stefanik (R-NY) 5/20/25: X-post – “This is the way forward: colleges must understand that enabling antisemitism and pushing radical DEI agendas puts their federal funding at risk. Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump, for taking a stand against antisemitism and woke extremism in higher education. It is long overdue that our Jewish students feel safe studying in university classrooms and I will continue working in Congress to ensure that the scourge of Jew hatred and DEI ends.” Linked to article in the Hill, DOJ targeting DEI campus initiatives under fraud law

Trump Rakes in the Gifts from the Gulf

• House Judiciary Dems 5/19/25: X-post – “While Trump’s been shaking down Qatar for his $400 million Bribe Force One, they’ve also been pressuring African nations to grant Elon Musk licenses for his satellite company, Starlink. In this Gangster State, government is an instrument for private self-enrichment—not the common good.”
• Budzinski (D-IL) 5/19/25: X-post – “President Trump is trying to accept a $400 million luxury plane from Qatar. I won’t stand for blatant corruption or foreign interference, so I’ve signed on to legislation to investigate further.”
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 5/19/25: X-post – “Donald Trump planning to accept a $400M plane from Qatar? Ridiculous to say the least. We must ask ourselves, what does Qatar expect in return? This isn’t a gift — it’s an attempt to buy influence.“
• Schumer (D-NY) 5/19/25: X-post – “I’m standing with @SenWarren and other Senate Democrats to demand Secretary Lutnick and Secretary Rubio hit pause on Trump’s chips deals with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Without clear and enforceable protections to stop the Chinese Communist Party from getting their hands on these incredibly advanced AI-related semiconductor chips, this has national security threat written all over it.“
• Stansbury (D-NM) 5/17/25: X-post – “President Trump’s plan to accept a luxury jet from Qatar is another huge cause for concern. But in his words, only a “stupid person” would say no to a $400 million gift. Trump has been bought and paid for time and time again—and today is no different. Public service is about serving the people, not personal gain. We will hold him to account.”

Iran

• Britt (R-AL) 5/19/25: X-post – “I agree with @POTUS – Iran must never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. I support total dismantlement and destruction of Iran’s entire nuclear program, including no uranium enrichment.”
• Bacon (R-NE) 5/18/25: X-post – “I’m proud of the USAF for their role in shooting down dozens of Iranian drones targeting Israel last year. Iran fired 330 missiles, drones and cruise missiles and a coalition of countries to include Israel shot down 99% of them.”

Syria

• Hamadeh (R-AZ) 5/17/25: X-post – “.@Potus is offering Sharaa a fresh start, a chance to join the Abraham Accords & forge ties with regional partners, instead of Russia & Iran So far, Sharaa has been saying & doing the right things If he wants to Make Syria Great Again, now’s his chance“
• Stutzman (R-IN) 5/17/25: X-post – “When Syria is contemplating its future under new leadership, we should want a seat at the table. Not only to help Syria prosper, but also to weaken the influence of Russia and China while creating another ally and trade partner in the region.“
• Wilson (R-SC) 5/16/25: X-post – “I was grateful to ask FM Shibani in February to reverse the Assad regime’s wrongful decision and have Syria recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia as the sovereign territory of the country of Georgia. This simple step would show deep strength and commitment to Syria’s new path.“

5. Selected Media

(Not including here the many, many, many articles about Congressional statements/reactions re: the killing of two Israeli embassy staff members outside an event at the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, by a shooter who, according to his own words shouted on the scene and written in manifesto, acted to protest Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza).

Israel

• Commentary – June 2025 issue: The Sanity of John Fetterman [“…Fetterman’s own political journey on Israel has become part and parcel of a new chapter in American Jewish history…”]
• Irish Times 5/23/25: Bernie Sanders: Senator has ‘no apologies’ for his position on Israel’s attack on Gaza [“Veteran US senator, who is visiting Ireland this week, has been criticised by Palestinian supporters“]
• NPR 5/22/25: Vermont senator wants Trump pressure on Israel to end ‘catastrophic’ Gaza blockade
• Jewish News Syndicate 5/21/25: ‘Not Israel’s fault,’ says GOP senator of humanitarian crisis in Gaza [“’It is totally in the hands of Hamas,’ said Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho.”]
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 5/21/25: Most Senate Democrats sponsor resolution calling for ‘urgent delivery’ of Gaza aid
• Jewish Insider 5/20/25: Fetterman: Israel ‘deserves much better from my party’
• The Hill 5/20/25: Democrats bash Netanyahu’s escalation in Gaza
• Arutz Sheva 5/19/25: Congressman Lawler: World doesn’t understand the horror of Hamas captivity [“Speaking at the Jerusalem Conference in NYC, Rep. Michael Lawler condemns Hamas for holding 58 hostages and calls it ‘barbaric.’ He urges Qatar to exert more pressure and stresses that peace depends on Arab normalization with Israel.”]
• Rolling Stone 5/18/25: Van Hollen: The U.S. Is ‘Complicit’ in Starving the People of Gaza [“‘Two million Palestinians are starving. This is collective punishment that is clearly illegal under international law,’ the senator said”]

Elections

• The Intercept 5/22/25: Is AIPAC Coming After Ilhan Omar? [“A poll sent to Omar’s district tested the waters on a Democratic candidate backed by ‘a right-wing, pro-Israel group that is funded by Trump-supporting billionaires.'”]
• Jewish Insider 5/21/25: Illinois Senate primary likely a toss-up, experts say, after Underwood declines to run [“One Jewish Democratic strategist said that none of the three major candidates have deep ties to the Jewish community, leaving Jewish voters up for grabs”]
• Jewish Insider 5/19/25: NJ congressional candidate Michael Roth says he wants to be a strong pro-Israel voice for a new generation [“In an interview with JI, Roth, who is running as a Democrat against Rep. Tom Kean Jr., says he seeks to correct concerning narratives around Israel and supporting the Jewish state”]

Lobbying for Israel

• The Forward 5/19/25: Kathy Manning to lead Democratic Majority for Israel board of directors [“‘I am thrilled to chair DMFI’s board at this very important time for the U.S.-Israel relationship and for the Democratic Party,’ Manning said“]
• Jewish Insider 5/19/25: DMFI announces new president and board chair following leadership shake-up [“Brian Romick, a longtime senior aide to Rep. Steny Hoyer, will succeed Mark Mellman as the group’s president and CEO”]
• NORPAC’s annual mission to Washington is bringing 1,000 allies to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and John Fetterman (D-PA) will be speaking to attendees as part of the morning session. (Jewish Insider)

Targeting Free Speech/Right to Protest

• Jewish Insider 5/23/25: Pro-Israel leaders link anti-Israel radicalism to fatal shooting [“Sen. John Fetterman asked members of the left, ‘Why can’t you just call it [antisemitism] what it is?’”]
• Jewish Insider 5/23/25: Following shooting, Gottheimer urges New Jersey governor candidates to support IHRA bill
• Jewish Insider 5/22/25: Sen. Cornyn calls for investigation of organizations affiliated with alleged shooter [“Elias Rodriguez, the suspected gunman of the deadly shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers, has ties organizations including the Party for Socialism and Liberation, People’s Congress of Resistance and ANSWER Chicago“]
• Shabbos Kestenbaum (student who testified on the Hill repeatedly against Harvard, alleging antisemitism) on X 5/21/25: “After a chaotic two years, I am excited to announce I will be taking a job with PragerU. American ideals and western civilization are things worth fighting for. Bittersweet to be trading Boston for Los Angeles, but I look forward to the next chapter of this fight.“
• Jewish News Syndicate 5/21/25: No ‘HELP’ needed [“Contrary to the assertions by some, including members of the Senate, Title VI’s use of the IHRA definition doesn’t violate the First Amendment.“] [NOTE: this op-ed asserts, erroneously, that the House has passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act in this Congress. It has not.]
• Jewish News Syndicate 5/19/25: Democrats have abandoned the fight against campus antisemitism
• Yeshiva University 5/19/25: Yeshiva University to Celebrate 94th Annual Commencement on May 22 [“Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to Receive Presidential Medallion for Global Leadership in Recognition of Her Dedication to Strengthening the United States, Supporting Israel and Defending the Jewish People”]; also see: Yeshiva University faculty members sign letter decrying Elise Stefanik graduation honor (Times of Israel 5/22/25); Yeshiva University faculty protest commencement honor for Republican star Elise Stefanik (The Forward 5/21/25); Stefanik Receives Presidential Medallion for Global Leadership Award from Yeshiva University & Delivers Commencement Address (Stefanik press release 5/22/25)

Iran

• Jewish Insider 5/22/25: Some Senate Republicans skeptical of excluding terrorism, missiles from Iran talks
• Jewish Insider 5/20/25: Rubio: Iranian proxy terrorism hasn’t been part of negotiations with Iran
• Jewish Insider 5/20/25: Ted Cruz expresses concern about influence of some Trump officials on Iran policy
• Jewish News Syndicate 5/20/25: Like two peas in a pod [“Radical progressive Democrats and far-right isolationist Republicans are obsessed with the notion that the U.S. approach to Iran is driven by the Jews.”]