FMEP Legislative Round-Up: November 19, 2021

Resource

1. Bills, Resolutions, Letters
2. FY22 NDAA – Senate
3. On the Record

*Brought to you in cooperation with Americans for Peace Now, where the Round-Up was born!

New FMEP programming this week:

1. Bills, Resolutions & Letters

(NO US DIPLOMATIC MISSION IN JERUSALEM EXCEPT EMBASSY TO ISRAEL) HR 6004: Introduced 11/17 by Kustoff (R-TN) and 112 all-Republican cosponsors, “To prohibit the use of funds for a United States Embassy, Consulate General, Legation, Consular Office, or any other diplomatic facility in Jerusalem other than the United States Embassy to the State of Israel, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see:

(PALESTINIANS MUST TEACH THEIR KIDS TO LOVE OCCUPATION!) S. 3209 (pdf): Introduced 11/145 by Kennedy (R-LA) and no cosponsors, “A bill to require the Secretary of State to submit annual reports reviewing the educational material used by the Palestinian Authority in schools, and for other purposes,” aka, “The Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Kennedy press release [excerpt: “The Middle East will never experience peace until Palestinians stop teaching their kids to hate Israel, and American dollars should not fund this anti-Jewish propaganda. The Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act would give us a closer look at what Palestinian schools are teaching and whether or not American money is supporting antisemitism.”]. Also see:

(DISAPPROVE OF NEW WEAPONS SALES TO SAUDI ARABIA) H. J. Res. 63: Introduced 11/12 by Omar (D-MN) and 7 Democratic cosponsors, “Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed direct commercial sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of certain weaponry and munitions.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see:

  • Omar press release; Omar tweet 11/12: “It’s unconscionable to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia while they slaughter innocent people and starve millions in Yemen, kill and torture dissidents, and support modern-day slavery. Today, Rep. Omar introduced a bill to block the $650M sale to Saudi Arabia”
  • Article:  House Democrats Are Challenging Joe Biden’s Huge Arms Deal With Saudi Arabia (Huffington Post)
  • Levin (D-MI) tweet 11/18: “I’m proud to join my colleagues @Ilhan, @RepRoKhanna and @RepMcGovern in attempting to block $650 million worth of arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Their brutal war in Yemen & other rampant violations of human rights should be met with accountability, not with more American weapons.”

(DISAPPROVE OF NEW WEAPONS SALES TO SAUDI ARABIA) S. J. Res. 31: Introduced 11/18 by Paul (R-KY), Sanders (I-VT) and Lee (R-UT), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of certain defense articles.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see:

(USING FAUX CONCERN FOR IRANIAN PEOPLE AS STICK TO BASH BIDEN ADMINISTRATION) H. Res. 800: Introduced 11/17 by Hagedorn (R-MN) and 36 all-Republican cosponsors, “Recognizing the two-year anniversary of the November 2019 massacre by the Islamic Republic of Iran and condemning the human rights violations by the Islamic Republic of Iran.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The key part of this grandstanding, point-scoring resolution reads: “Whereas during President Donald Trump’s administration, the Department of State released an official report citing the death toll as 1,500; Whereas, in March 2021, the Department of State under the Biden administration released a revised report of the November 2019 protests that lowered the death toll from the confirmed 1,500 to a revised 304; Whereas the revised, smaller death toll of the November 2019 massacre comes from Amnesty International, which has admitted that the assessment of casualties is incomplete;Whereas the move by the Biden administration underscores its commitment to appeasing the Iranian regime…” Also see:

LETTERS

(NEED ANSWERS RE: SYRIA STRIKES) DeFazio et al letter to Biden: On 11/18, Reps. DeFazio (D-OR), Mace (R-SC), and Bowman (D-NY) led a bipartisan letter, cosigned by 29 bipartisan colleagues (and what a strange mix of names it is!), to President Biden, to express “serious concern with the pattern of unauthorized U.S. military strikes and actions in Syria and Iraq. We are deeply troubled by your administration’s dangerous claim that Article II of the Constitution permits you to bypass Congressional authorization to perform strikes inside Syria, as well as your administration’s claim that the wide range of activities that you have undertaken as part of the ongoing U.S. occupation of a large swath of Syrian territory is justified by the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) of 2001.” Press release is here. Also see DeFazio tweets here, here, here, and here.

 

2.FY22 NDAA – Senate

This week the Senate was expected to get started with – and potentially complete most work on – HR 4350, the FY22 NDAA. That was not to be, as partisan disgreements prevented movement on Thursday night (which likely would have continued through the weekend) on amendments. As a result, action on the bill will await the Senate when it returns to session after next week’s Thanksgiving recess. For more on this mess, see: Senate punts defense bill until after Thanksgiving as debate hits roadblock (Politico)

In the meantime, the NDAA story is a story all about the amendments — a whopping 965 amendments of which have been submitted in the Senate (so far). As previously noted in the Round-Up:

  • The vast majority of these 965 (and counting) amendments won’t actually get proposed (let alone voted on) on the Senate floor.
  • Even if most won’t make it to the floor, it is well worth paying attention to all of these amendments, as they are generally a good indicator of measures that members are or will be pushing, whether as free-standing bills or amendments to other legislation (or both).
  • Most of the amendments are actually second-degree amendments, aimed not at HR 4350 but at an amendment in the nature of a substitute,SA 3867 (text here) – offered by Chairman Reed (D-RI) — which once adopted will become the base text of the Senate version (deleting the entire text of the House bill and replacing it with the text of S. 2792). As a reminder – Middle East-related provisions included in SA 3867 are covered in detail in the 11/5/21 edition of the Round-Up.
  • Notably, Sanders (I-VT), who has submitted a number of Middle East-related amendments (most notably one related to the Gaza blockade) this week released a video explaining that he will be be voting “no” on the entire bill.
  • Finally, to get a sense of the byzantine, opaque process by which these amendments will or will not be considered, see this mind-blowing analysis of last year’s NDAA amendment process.

The 965 amendments submitted (so far) include many, many related to the Middle East. For ease of analysis, ALL Middle East-related amendments submitted as of November 18 (both those previously covered in 11/5 edition of the Round-Up and those offered since then) — are summarized below (and given that there is no way to find all of these other than manually going through the Congressional Record, it is certainly possible that I missed some).

For the obsessed out there who want to read the text of amendments in the Congressional Record, you can find the all here: SA 4783 – SA 4833 | SA 4733 – SA 4782 | SA 4660 – SA 4732 | SA 4551 – SA 4659 | SA 4277 – SA 4550 | SA 4225 – SA 4576 | SA 4133 – SA 4224 | SA 4068 – SA 4132 | SA 3941 – SA 4067 | SA 3914 – SA 3940 | SA 3877 – SA 3913 | SA 3868 – SA 3876) | SA 3867

Middle East-Related Amendments Submitted on the FY22 NDAA (Senate)

ISRAEL

  • [ISRAEL] SA 3895, submitted by Moran (R-KS), to add a new section, “Grant Program for Increased Cooperation on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Research Between United States and Israel.” [aka, S. 221, introduced by Moran 2/4/21 and referred to SFRC, where it has not been considered in any way]
  • [ISRAEL] SA 3896, submitted by Moran (R-KS), to add a new section, “Grant Program for Increased Cooperation on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Research Between United States and Israel.” [this appears to be an abbreviated version of the language in SA 3895]
  • [ISRAEL] SA 3926, submitted by Portman (R-OH), Booker (D-NJ), Cardin (D-MD), and Young (R-AL), to add a new section, entitled, the “Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2021.” [aka, S. 1061, introduced 3/35/21 by Portman, and held up in the Senate over opposition from Cruz (R-TX) over the bill’s rhetorical support in the bill for a two-state solution – language also included in this amendment; the House version, HR 2748 was reported out of HFAC on 9/30] [NOTE: this is an amendment to the base bill, not an amendment to the Substitute. Also note, below, Cruz amendment to SA 3926, to remove reference to two-state solution]
  • [ISRAEL] SA 3935, submitted by Rosen (D-NV), Collins (R-ME), Young (R-AL), and Whitehouse (D-RI), to add a new section, “United States-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement”  [aka, S. 1193, introduced by Rosen 4/15/21 and referred to the SFRC, where there has been no further action on the bill; the House version, HR 2659, is similarly languishing in HFAC]
  • [ISRAEL]  SA 4044., submitted by Cruz (R-TX) to insert a new section, “United States-Israel Directed Energy Capabilities Cooperation.” [See:  HR 1795 (2019) and HR 6725 (2020). Also note that this builds on a report required under the FY2021 NDAA relating to “potential areas for US-Israel directed energy cooperation”]
  • [ISRAEL] SA 4068, submitted by Merkley (D-OR), to add a new section requiring a “Report on Israeli Settlement Activity in Occupied West Bank.”
  • [GREECE] SA 4150, submitted by Menendez (D-NJ), to add a new section, “U.S.-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act” (with lots of references to Israel). [aka, S. 2000/HR 4129]
  • [ISRAEL] SA 4332, submitted by Rubio (R-FL) and a bipartisan group of cosponsors, to add a new section “United States-Israel Artificial Intelligence Center” [aka, S. 2120, introduced by Rubio 6/17/21 and sitting in the SFRC ever since, and HR 5148, introduced 10/12/21 and sitting in the HFAC’s Middle East subcommittee]
  • [GREECE] SA 4511, submitted by Menendez (D-NJ) and Rubio (R-FL), to add a section, “U.S.-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act of 2021.” Includes lots of stuff related to Israel [NOTE: This is similar to SA 4150, but not identical – for example, it omits last finding re: Turkey].
  • [SURVEILLANCE] SA 4539, submitted by Warner (D-VA), to add a new section, “Annual Report On Surveillance Sales To Repressive Governments.”
  • [GREECE] SA 4557, submitted by Menendez (D-NJ) and Rubio (R-FL), to add a section, “U.S.-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act  of 2021.” Includes lots of stuff related to Israel [NOTE: this is the 3rd iteration of this measure offered by Menendez & Rubio as an amendment to the FY22 NDAA; seer SA 4150 and SA 4511]
  • [DELETE MENTION OF TWO-STATE SOLUTION] SA 4571, submitted by Cruz (R-TX) to amend SA 3926 (offered by Portman (R-OH), Booker (D-NJ), Cardin (D-MD), and Young (R-AL), to add the “Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2021”), to delete mention of/support for a two-state solution from the “Israel Relations Normalization Act”.
  • [US-ISRAEL COOPERATION] SA 4733, submitted by Rubio (R-FL) and a bipartisan list of cosponsors, top add a new section, “United States-Israel Artificial Intelligence Center.”
  • [GREECE] SA 4738, submitted by Menendez (D-NJ) and Rubio (R-FL), to add a section, “U.S.-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act  of 2021.” Includes lots of stuff related to Israel [NOTE: this is the 4th iteration of this measure offered by Menendez & Rubio as an amendment to the FY22 NDAA; see SA 4150, SA 4511 and SA 4457]
  • [ISRAEL] SA 4791, submitted by Moran (R-KS) and Rosen (D-NV) to add a new section, “Grant Program For Increased Cooperation On Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Research Between United States And Israel.” [aka, S. 221, introduced by Moran 2/4/21 and referred to SFRC, where it has not been considered in any way; also see SA 3895 & SA 3896]

PALESTINIANS

  • [PALESTINIAN TERRORISM] SA 4357, submitted by Rubio (R-FL), to add a new section entitled “Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention.” [This is a version of Rubio’s bill S. 1904, seeking to impose far-reaching sanctions on anyone who comes anywhere hear Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
  • [PALESTINIAN TEXTBOOKS] SA 4446, submitted by Kennedy (R-LA), to add a new section entitled,  “Reports on Curriculum Used in Schools in Areas Controlled by the Palestinian Authority and in Gaza.” [Yes, we are seeing daily violence against Palestinians by settlers, and Gaza is trying to recover from another war, but once again, members of Congress want to focus on the idea that it is textbooks that are teaching Palestinian kids not to love Israel, its people, and its soldiers — also see Section 1, above, for Kennedy’s intro of similar text as freestanding legislation, S. 3209].
  • [GAZA] SA 4533, offered by Sanders (I-VT), to add a new section, “Report on the Humanitarian Impact of the Gaza Restrictions and the Feasibility of Ending the Restrictions.”

EGYPT

  • [EGYPT] SA 3883, submitted by Durbin (D-IL), Leahy (D-VT), Baldwin (D-WI), Booker (D-NJ) and Murphy (D-CT), to add a new section, “Disbursement of Foreign Military Financing Funds for Egypt to Foreign Military Sales Trust Fund.” The section reads: “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, funds appropriated pursuant to the Foreign Military Financing Program for assistance for Egypt for fiscal years 2021 and 2022 shall be disbursed to the Foreign Military Sales Trust Fund” [and NOT in an interest-bearing account]. Durbin explained the amendment in this tweet: “Egypt must answer for their ongoing harassment and detention of dissidents and human rights activists. I’m introducing NDAA amendments to hold them accountable—including a proposal to take away their interest-earning benefit on U.S. security aid.” NOTE: that tweet includes a link to a press release that appears to have been removed; see cached copy, entitled, “Durbin Files NDAA Amendment to Hold Egypt Accountable for Disappearances of Family Members of Illinois Resident”.
  • [EGYPT] SA 3885, submitted by Durbin (D-IL), Leahy (D-VT), Baldwin (D-WI), Booker (D-NJ) and Murphy (D-CT), to add a new section, “Report On Incidents Of Arbitrary Detention, Violence, And State-Sanctioned Harassment By The Government Of Egypt.”

SYRIA/LEBANON

  • [SYRIA] SA 4012, submitted by Lee (R-UT), to add a new section, “Prohibition On Use Of Funds To Provide Assistance To Vetted Syrian Opposition.”
  • [SYRIA] SA 4125, submitted by Shaheen (D-NH), to add a new section, “Modification of Establishment of Coordinator for Detained ISIS Members and Relevant Displaced Populations in Syria.”
  • [SYRIA] SA 4307, submitted by Shaheen (D-NH), to add a new section, “Modification of Establishment of Coordinator for Detained ISIS Members and Relevant Displaced Populations in Syria.”
  • [SYRIA/LEBANON] SA 4487, submitted by Risch (R-ID), to add a new section, “Prohibition on Use of Funds for the Arab Gas Pipeline.”
  • [SYRIA/LEBANON] SA 4529, submitted by Risch (R-ID) to add a new section, “Prohibition on Use of Funds for the Arab Gas Pipeline.”
  • [SYRIA] SA 4746, submitted by Marshall (R-KS) to add a section, “Interagency Strategy To Disrupt and Dismantle Narcotics Production and Trafficking and Affiliated Networks Linked to the Regime of Bashar Al-Assad in Syria.” Also see – Hill (R-AR-2) 11/16/2021: Twitter thread – “The House-passed version of the FY 2022 NDAA included my amendment to disrupt and dismantle narcotics production, trafficking, and affiliated networks linked to the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Learn more in the video below. Link to www.youtube.com I urge the conference committee to concur with this House provision once the House and Senate begin to work out the differences between the two bill.”

MIDEAST AUMF/WAR POWERS

  • SA 3888, submitted by Durbin (D-IL), Leahy (D-VT), and Ossoff (D-GA), to add a new section, “Termination Of Authorizations For The Use Of Military Force And Declarations Of War.”
  • SA 4133, submitted by Kaine (D-VA), to add a new section, “Repeal of Authorization of Use of Military Force Against Iraq.
  • SA 4263, submitted by Murphy (D-CT) and Lee (R-UT), to add a new section, “Limitation On Authorizations For The Introduction Of Armed Forces Into Hostilities.
  • SA 4264, submitted by Murphy (D-CT) and Lee (R-UT), to add a new section, “Amendment Of War Powers Resolution Regarding Authorization And Termination Of Activities Relating To Hostilities.”
  • SA 4265, submitted by Murphy (D-CT) and Lee (R-UT), to add a new section, “Amendment Of War Powers Resolution To Define Certain Terms.”
  • [AUMF AGAINST IRAN] SA 4656, submitted by Cruz (R-TX) to amend SA 4133 (offered by Kaine to repeal the Iraq AUMF), to in effect authorize the use of military force against Iran.
  • SA 4266, submitted by Murphy (D-CT) and Lee (R-UT), to add a new section, “Amendment Of Reporting Requirements For The Introduction Of Armed Forces Into Hostilities.”
  • SA 4268, submitted by Murphy (D-CT),  Lee (R-UT), and Sanders (I-VT) to add a new subtitle, “National Security Powers Act of 2021”
  • SA 4783, Submitted by Hagerty (R-TN), to add two new sections: “Authorization For Use Of United States Armed Forces Against Isis And Associated Forces In Iraq” and “Authorization For Use Of United States Armed Forces To Protect United States Diplomats And United States Diplomatic Facilities In Iraq Against Terrorist Attacks.”

IRAN

  • [IRAN] SA 4241, submitted by Menendez (D-NJ), to add a new section, “Combating International Cybercrime” [with lots of references to Iran)
  • [IRAN] SA 4521, submitted by Thune (R-SD), to add a new section, “Report on Malign Influence of the Islamic Republic of Iran” [report to cover specifically Iranian support for “(1) Shiite militias. (2) Houthis in Yemen. (3) Hezbollah. (4) Hamas. (5) The Palestinian Islamic Jihad. (6) The Taliban.”
  • [NEW IRAN SANCTIONS] SA 4669, submitted by Toomey (R-PA) and Cardin (D-MD), to add a new section, “Report And Imposition Of Sanctions With Respect To Persons Who Are Responsible For Or Complicit In Abuses Toward Dissidents On Behalf Of The Government Of Iran.”
  • [CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORITY OVER IRAN SANCTIONS] SA 4698, submitted by Hagerty (R-TN), to add a section, “Congressional Review Of Certain Actions Relating To Sanctions Imposed With Respect to Iran.” [legislating detailed process by which Congress would assert binding authority over decisions any president might take with respect to Iran sanctions].
  • [NO TRANSFERS TO IRAN] SA 4748, submitted by Marshall (R-KS), to add a section, “Prohibition on Transfers to Iran” [“None of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense may be made available to transfer or facilitate a transfer of pallets of currency, currency, or other items of value to the Government of Iran, any subsidiary of such Government, or any agent or instrumentality of Iran.”]
  • [TARGETING IRAN PROXIES] SA 4749, submitted by Marshall (R-KS), to add a section, “Report of Iranian Terrorist Proxies” [“…including Lebanese Hezbollah, Asa’ib ahl al-Haq, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Kata’ib al-Imam Ali, Kata’ib Hezbollah, the Badr Organization, the Fatemiyoun, the Zainabiyoun, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), and Ansar Allah (also known as the Houthis)”. Also see: Cruz (R-TX) 11/15/2021: Tweet – “The amendment comes following months of back-and-forth between Cruz and the Biden administration on the issue, including an effort by the senator to pressure the State Department into explaining its decision to reduce sanctions on the Houthis. Link to freebeacon.com“
  • [IRAN] SA 4750, submitted by Marshall (R-KS), to add a section, “Report on Iran-China and Iran-Russia Military Ties.”
  • [IRAN] SA 4751, submitted by Marshall (R-KS), to add a section, “Report on Iranian Defense Budget.”
  • [IRAN] SA 4758, submitted by Marshall (R-KS), to add a section “Report on Iranian Military Capabilities.”

IRAN/SAUDI ARABIA

  • [IRAN/KSA] SA 4358, submitted by Rubio (R-FL) to add a new section, “Preventing the Recognition of Terrorist States Act of 2021” [aka, S. 2745, introduced by Rubio 9/14/21, and HR 5333, introduced by Scott (R-FL) 9/22]. Includes provisions related to Iran and Saudi Arabia.

TURKEY

  • [TURKEY] SA 4283, submitted by Menendez (D-NJ), to require a “Report on and Determination with Respect to Exports by the Republic of Turkey of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.” Also see Menendez press release, Chairman Menendez Announces NDAA Amendments to Hold Turkey and Azerbaijan Accountable.

YEMEN/SAUDI ARABIA/GULF/IRAQ/QATAR

  • [IRAQ] SA 3995, submitted by Ernst (R-IA), to add a new section, “Assessment Of And Report On [Counter-Uas System] Capabilities Of Military Forces Of United States Partners In Iraq.”
  • [SAUDI ARABIA] SA 4239, submitted by Menendez (D-NJ), Leahy (D-VT), and Wyden (D-OR) to add a new section, “Saudi Arabia Accountability for Gross Violations of Human Rights Act”
  • [IRAQ] SA 4249, submitted by Duckworth (D-IL), to add a new section, “Assessment Of The Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (Uas) Capability Of Partner Forces In Iraq.”
  • [QATAR] SA 4448, submitted by Graham (R-SC), to add a new section, “Sense Of Congress On Role Of Qatar In Support Of Operation Allies Refuge.”
  • [SAUDI ARABIA/YEMEN] SA 4535, submitted by Sanders (I-VT) and Markey (D-MA), adding a new section, “Prohibition on Support or Military Participation in Saudi-Led Operations in Yemen.”
  • [GULF STATES] SA 4477, submitted by Romney (R-UT) and Shaheen (D-NH), to add a new section, “Sense of Congress on Allies and Partners Assisting Evacuation from Afghanistan.” [List of allies/partners includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates].
  • [KSA/UAE] SA 4489, submitted by Risch (R-ID), to add a new section, “Authority to Enter Into a Cooperative Agreement to Protect Civilians in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates from Weaponized Unmanned Aerial Systems.”
  • [ANSARALLAH] SA 4655, submitted by Cruz (R-TX), to add a new section, “Imposition of Sanctions with Respect to Ansarallah” [“In this section, the term ‘Ansarallah’ means the movement known as Ansarallah, the Houthi movement, or any other alias.”
  • [IRAQ] SA 4747, submitted by Marshall (R-KS), to add a new section, “Prohibition Of Transfers To Badr Organization.”

OTHER

  • [SANCTIONS] SA 3898, submitted by Warren (D-MA), to add a new section, “Report On All Comprehensive Sanctions Imposed On Foreign Governments.”
  • [HUMAN RIGHTS) SA 3980, submitted by Cardin (D-MD), to add a new section “Modifications To And Reauthorization Of Sanctions With Respect To Human Rights Violations.”
  • [HUMAN RIGHTS] SA 4385, submitted by Van Hollen (D-MD), to add a new section, “Consideration Of Human Rights Records Of Recipients Of Support Of Special Operations To Combat Terrorism.”
  • [TARGETING UNHRC] SA 4670, submitted by Barrasso (R-WY), to add a new section, “Removal Of Members Of The United Nations Human Rights Council That Commit Human Rights Abuses.”

 

3.On the Record

Politics/Elections

Jewish Insider 11/18: Jazz Lewis steps out

Kinzinger (R-IL-16) 11/18/2021: Tweet – “‘Liberal Jews.’ Classy.” Linked to Tweet by Charlie Sykes – “GOP 2021”, commenting on a tweet by Josh Mandel (a Jewish Republican running for office in Ohio) – “Liberal Jews and radical Muslims are irrelevant to our campaign. Evangelical Christians, Jewish conservatives and devout Catholics are our army.”

Algemeiner 11/15: New Congressional Candidate Is Proudly Anti-Israel

Times of Israel 11/15: Republican Senate candidate defends ad calling out opponent’s Jewishness

 

AIPAC Meets Members of Congress

Manning (D-NC-6) 11/18/2021: Tweet – “It was great to meet with NC @AIPAC members to discuss key issues affecting our ally Israel. I’m proud of my work in Congress to strengthen the bipartisan U.S.-Israel relationship. Link to image”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 11/18/2021: Tweet – “I was honored to meet with NY members of @AIPAC yesterday to discuss the vital importance of strong US-Israel relations. We talked about the success of the Abraham Accords & the need to continue standing together to defend Israel’s security and support peace in the region. Link to image”

Rogers (R-AL-3) 11/18/2021: Retweet of @YanaLukeman – “Thank you @RepMikeRogersAL for your leadership and meeting with us, @AIPAC activists, to discuss support for the US-Israel relationship as it relates to the Iron Dome, Abraham Accords and so on.  Link to image”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 11/17/2021: Retweet of @orlyusa – “@RepDonBacon @AIPAC Thank you your honor. AIPAC my AIPAC is the best group who respects Congress does a hard work to educate it’s members teaches us all about the issues at hands and assist in every information to give light to the need of America. I love America more because of AIPAC. Thank you”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 11/16/2021: Tweet – “I thank the @AIPAC team for meeting us today. Replenishing the #IronDome interceptor missiles is critical to Israel defending itself. I also urge the Admin to keep sanctions on Iran, the world’s #1 exporter of terror, and prevent China from buying Iranian oil. #IStandWithIsrael  Link to image”

González-Colón (R-PR-0) 11/16/2021: Tweet – “Met w @AIPAC to discuss support for the security & defense of our ally #Israel thru: Funds for the Iron Dome to protect civilians against rockets from Hamas & terrorists Support for the Abraham Accords Assistance for cooperative agreements  Prevent a nuclear Iran Link to image”

González-Colón (R-PR-0) 11/16/2021: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Thank you @RepJenniffer! #StrongerTogether Link to quoted tweet”

Grothman (R-WI-6) 11/16/2021: Tweet – “I was happy to sit down with @AIPAC for a productive meeting discussing the importance of supporting our ally Israel. Link to image”

Grothman (R-WI-6) 11/16/2021: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Thank you @RepGrothman! #StrongerTogether Link to quoted tweet”

Pallone (D-NJ-6) 11/16/2021: Tweet – “Met with @AIPAC today to discuss the importance of Iron Dome funding in this year’s defense budget. The House included funding for security assistance to Israel, and the Senate should do the same. Link to image”

Stefanik (R-NY-21) 11/16/2021: Tweet – “I am proud to stand with our ally Israel. Thank you @AIPAC for taking the time to discuss the importance of strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship! Link to image”

Israel/Palestine (general)

Risch (R-ID) 11/19/21: Tweet – “I welcome reports that the #UK is to designate #Hamas as a terrorist org. & I encourage others to follow suit. This reflects the dangerous reality on the ground w/ no distinction between its military & political wings—both receive #Iranian support to threaten #Israel.”

Lamborn (R-CO) 11/19/21: Tweet – “The United Nations Relief & Work Agency promotes anti-Semetic education and teaches a new generation of Palestinians to reject Israel’s right to exist. #UNRWA must immediately stop teaching hate against the Jewish community.”

Gooden (R-TX-5) 11/19/2021: Tweet – “Reminder: Democrats REJECTED funding for the Iron Dome and an amendment to PROHIBIT funds from going to the Chinese Communist Party.”

Long (R-MO-7) 11/19/2021: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “The United Kingdom plans to label Hamas in its entirety as a terror organization. UK to label entirety of Hamas as a terrorist organization – The Jerusalem Post ”

Meng (D-NY-6) 11/18/2021: Tweet – “Thank you @LindaLeeforNYC for supporting our local small businesses and making it clear that hate and antisemitism have no place here. Link to quoted tweet”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 11/18/2021: Tweet – “I was honored to host @idanroll, Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, yesterday. We discussed the importance of US-Israel relations and how we can work together to counter the threat of a nuclear Iran. As a member of @HouseForeignGOP, I’m committed to Israel’s security. Link to image”

Hagerty (R-TN) 11/18/2021: Tweet – “Good meeting w Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister @idanroll on strengthening the US-Israel alliance, expanding the Abraham Accords & countering threats from Iran & terrorists. I briefed him on my efforts to ensure full & faithful implementation of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995. Link to image”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 11/18/2021: Tweet – “Thank you, @USAmbUN Thomas-Greenfield, for visiting our ally Israel and affirming the strong partnership between our countries. Link to quoted tweet”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 11/17/2021: Tweet – “LR @RepMcCaul “I enjoyed meeting with Israeli Interior Minister @Ayelet__Shaked, and discussing our country’s important relationship with #Israel.” Link to image”

McCollum (D-MN-4) 11/17/2021: Retweet of @JBing215 – “Fond memories of four years ago working behind the scenes with #NoWayToTreatAChild to get the first bill in Congress introduced on Palestinian human rights with @DCIPalestine. We have come a long way together – still more to do… #StandWithThe6 Link to image”

Hagerty (R-TN) 11/17/2021: Tweet – “The U.S., Israel, U.A.E. & Bahrain recently held 5-day naval exercises. Trump’s Abraham Accords continue to increase peace and security in the Middle East. Israel Is at the Center of a New International Security Order – WSJ”

Rosen (D-NV) 11/16: Senator Jacky Rosen Completes Bipartisan CODEL to Middle East, Europe

Duncan (R-SC-3) 11/16/2021: Tweet – “Looking forward to seeing this case in court soon. Link to quoted tweet” [regarding teacher allegedly not allowed to wear a “Proud Zionist” shirt in school]

Gosar (R-AZ-4) 11/17/2021: Retweet of @CarmineSabia – “Members of The Squad have called for things that would end the nation of Israel but yes, let’s censure @RepGosar for a cartoon.”

Pallone (D-NJ-6) 11/17/2021: Tweet – “Great to see @RutgersU and @TelAvivUni working together to establish a presence in New Brunswick. This partnership will only strengthen the bond between New Jersey and Israel and help cement Rutgers’ status as a world class research institution. Link to quoted tweet”

Pocan (D-WI-2) 11/16/2021: Tweet – “Powerful video that completely parallels with my recent trip to Israel snd Palestine. All people – Israeli and Palestinian – deserve human rights. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Link to www.nytimes.com”

Roy (R-TX-21) 11/17/2021: Tweet – “Will have to get this book… noting, btw, the Philly girl breaking out the “y’all.” Link to quoted tweet” [re: book by Lenny Ben-David, who tweeted, “#Christmas/#Hanukkah gift for your local Congressional politician or candidate. It’s so clear that many of them know nothing about the long American ties to the Jews of the Holy Land.”

Coons (D-DE) 11/16/2021: Twitter thread – “Last week, I led a bipartisan congressional delegation to Europe & the Middle East. Congressional delegations are an important way for Members of Congress to interact with international partners, exercise oversight, & help advance U.S. interests & values around the world…Last week, we also visited Qatar, which plays a central role in supporting the evacuation of Americans and vulnerable Afghans from Afghanistan. In Doha, we met with Afghan evacuees and thanked senior Qatari officials for their enduring partnership. Link to image Our delegation also visited Israel and the West Bank. I was glad to meet with Israeli officials to discuss our strong partnership. The U.S.-Israel relationship enjoys enduring, bipartisan support because our deep ties are based on shared values. Link to quoted tweet We also met with the Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh to discuss regional stability. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with leaders of the region to preserve hope for a two-state solution…”

Rosen (D-NV) 11/16/2021: Tweet – “Excited to see a new partnership between @USTreasury & Israel to combat ransomware. My bill – the U.S.-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act – would build on this partnership to keep our nation safe from cyber threats. Link to www.timesofisrael.com”

Young (R-IN) 11/16/2021: Tweet – “Productive conversation with @Ayelet__Shaked where we discussed opportunities for expansion of the historic #AbrahamAccords, ways for the U.S. to partner with Israel on emerging technology, and how to enhance the security of Israel in the face of Iranian aggression. Link to image”

Cardin (D-MD) 11/16/2021: Tweet – “The world is stronger when we work together. Last week, I met with Israeli PM Bennett and President Herzog, Palestine’s PM Shateyyah & ambassadors from multiple Arab countries to discuss the promotion of peace through the Abraham Accords between Israel and the Arab world. Link to image”

Problem Solvers Caucus 11/15: Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses Legislation to Sanction Hamas’ Financers After Uptick in Crypto Donations HR 3685

Gottheimer (D-NJ) 11/15: Gottheimer Statement on Opening Diplomatic Office in Jerusalem [“The Biden administration has announced its intention to reopen a U.S. consulate in Jerusalem. Any new diplomatic facility must be agreed to by Israel. The U.S. has never opened a diplomatic office without the approval of the host government, and to do so in Israel would create a double standard. Any decision on this issue should be made with Israel’s consent and must recognize that Jerusalem is Israel’s undivided capital.”]

Long (R-MO-7) 11/15/2021: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “Biden, leave Jerusalem alone.”

Long (R-MO-7) 11/16/2021: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “On his first day in Israel, Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane received a Guard of Honour at Latrun, Israel.  India and Israel are strengthening the defense cooperation and the battle against terrorism. #India Link to image”

Meng (D-NY-6) 11/15/2021: Twitter thread – “One of our favorite bagel shops in Queens!  Let’s support our local small businesses like this one! Link to quoted tweet To be clearer, this IS antisemitic and should be investigated as a potential hate crime.”

Pocan (D-WI-2) 11/15/2021: In reply to Tweet – “@ShabanaMir1 @JamaalBowmanNY @jstreetdotorg @BtSIsrael @Israel @IDF Please reread the tweet and notice the placement of the exclamation point. Then you can say that you missed it and shouldn’t have criticized.”

Pocan (D-WI-2) 11/15/2021: In reply to Tweet – “@4noura Seriously? Sigh.”

Upton (R-MI-6) 11/15/2021: Tweet – “Hamas must be held to account for their blatant human rights violations and real efforts to finance and support global terrorism. America cannot – and will not – tolerate anything less. #MI06 Link to quoted tweet”

Cassidy (R-LA) 11/15/2021: Tweet – “.@POTUS needs to respect Israel’s sovereignty. Link to www.jpost.com”

Rubio (R-FL) 11/15: Tweet – “Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people & abandon their particular customs…& many Israelites delighted in his religion;they sacrificed to idols and profaned the sabbath…And very great wrath came upon Israel 1 MC:41-43,64” [referencing a Bible verse about God’s wrath at Israelites…  Not clear if Rubio is suggesting criticism of Israelis or Jews in general, but either way – yikes].

Pocan (D-WI) 11/13: Tweet – “Thanks for covering this. @JamaalBowmanNY and I met with Nasser and others there earlier this week. Watching closely from the US now. Israeli settler violence needs to stop everywhere, but Susyia has some friends from afar in us. @BtSIsrael (@IDF watching VERY closely)” Linked to tweet from Oren Ziv/+97211/13 – “After the army blocked the activists all morning using a closed military order, now they were allowed to walk towards the village of Susyia – last Saturday settlers stormed the village forcing kids out of a playground”

Jones (D-NY-17) 11/12/2021: Retweet of @naftalibennett – “Had a great meeting with @RosaDelauro, @RepBarbaraLee, @JamaalBowmanNY, @MondaireJones, @MelanieforNM & @repmarkpocan in my office in Jerusalem. It was good seeing you and discussing ways to strengthen the US-Israel alliance. Link to photo”

Omar (D-MN-5) 11/12/2021: Retweet of @RepMcGovern – “This week I asked @SecBlinken to firmly, unambiguously denounce the Israeli Defense Ministry’s misguided decision to designate six prominent, internationally respected human rights & civil society groups as so-called “terrorist organizations.” My letter: Link to mcgovern.house.gov   Link to photo”

Portman (R-OH) 11/12/2021: Twitter thread – “Just returned from a productive trip to Israel. Had constructive discussions with Israel’s PM @naftalibennett and POTUS @Isaac_Herzog, Palestine’s PM Shateyyah, & ambassadors from multiple Arab countries on ways to support normalization efforts between Israel & the Arab world… Link to photo …Promoting peace and security in Israel, and the surrounding areas, remains a priority for myself and my colleagues in Congress. I was glad I was able to see firsthand the work so many are doing to ensure long-term stability in the region.”

Cornyn (R-TX) 11/12/2021: Tweet – “Gulf States in First Joint Naval Exercises With Israel via @defensepost Link to www.thedefensepost.com”

Israel-Palestine (media reports)

Middle East Monitor 11/18: US group seeks explanation for Congressman Bowman’s trip to Israel

Jewish Insider 11/18:     Following Israel trip, Sen. Cardin sees potential for resolving Jerusalem consulate dispute

WAFA 11/15: Palestinian figures sign letter urging US congressmen to assume their responsibilities towards injustice inflicted on Palestinians

Yahoo 11/14: Portman visits Israel with bipartisan congressional delegation

Jerusalem Post (Adam Milstein) 11/13: Abandoning Israel is like abandoning democracy

Haaretz 11/13: Senior Democrat Urges Blinken: Push Israel to Reverse Palestinian NGO Terror Designation

The New Arab 11/13: Jamaal Bowman, other progressive US lawmakers visit West Bank, meet activists

Washington Times 11/13: Palestinian activist announces congressional campaign to unseat Michigan Republican

Jewish News Syndicate 11/12/2021: Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s ‘thought crime’ on Israel and the Palestinians

Yemen

Buck (R-CO-4) 11/18/2021: Tweet – “Joe Biden removed the Houthis from the US Terror watch list less than a month into his presidency, before they recently captured the US embassy in Yemen and took several locals hostage who were employed there to secure the facility. McCaul, Meeks, Risch, Menendez Joint Statement on Houthi Breach of U.S. Embassy in Yemen – Committee on Foreign Affairs”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 11/15/2021: Retweet of @HouseForeign – “CM @RepGregoryMeeks, RM @RepMcCaul, CM @SenatorMenendez, RM @SenatorRisch joint statement condemning the Houthi breach of the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a, Yemen, and the subsequent harassment and detainment of U.S. current and former locally-employed staff: Link to foreignaffairs.house.gov”

Green (R-TN-7) 11/15/2021: Tweet – “The deteriorating situation in Yemen brought on by Houthi extremists cannot be tolerated. It’s time for immediate action from the Biden Administration. Link to www.wsj.com”

Wilson (R-SC-2) 11/15/2021: Twitter thread – “In its latest escalation, this weekend the Houthis breached the U.S. embassy compound in Sana’a and detained and harassed U.S. locally-employed staff. The Iranian-backed Houthis now feel they have nothing to lose as the Biden administration fails to address (1/3) the threat posed by Iran. The people of Yemen are suffering tremendously as the Houthis continue to divert critical aid and deploy missiles from within Yemen. The consequences of the Biden administration’s policy of appeasement toward the Iranian regime (2/3) and by extension, its proxies, are disastrous. America should work with our decades-long ally Saudi Arabia to stop the murderous subjugation of the oppressed people of Yemen who suffer from Iranian aggression. Iran continues its goal, “Death to America, Death to Israel.”(3/3)”

Tlaib (D-MI-13) 11/13/2021: Retweet of @KhaledBeydoun – “A child under the age 5 five dies every 15 minutes of bombs, covid, cholera or famine in Yemen  To support children in #Yemen: Link to baitulmaal.org @baitulmaal Link to image”

Green (R-TN) 11/12: Rep. Green Condemns Attack on U.S. Embassy in Yemen

Clyde (R-GA-9) 11/12/2021: Tweet – “Emboldened by Biden’s ill-advised decision to remove the Iranian-backed Houthis from the terrorist watch list, the ruthless organization attacked the U.S. Embassy in Yemen on Wednesday – using the raid to take hostages and equipment.  Full statement  Link to photo”

Fallon (R-TX-4) 11/12/2021: Tweet – Link to quoted tweet from Rep. Waltz (R-FL) 11/11 – “Soon after becoming President, Biden removed the Iranian-backed Houthis from the terrorism list. Now they’ve attacked our Embassy in Yemen and taken hostages. Why? Because they know they can get away with it!”

Stewart (R-UT-2) 11/12/2021: Tweet – “Within a month of taking office, President Biden removed the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from the terrorist watch list. Yesterday, they stormed the U.S. Embassy in Yemen and took hostages. These are the horrible consequences of showing weakness to our enemies.”

Meeks (D-NY-5) 11/12/2021: Tweet – “CM @RepGregoryMeeks, RM @RepMcCaul, CM @SenatorMenendez, RM @SenatorRisch joint statement condemning the Houthi breach of the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a, Yemen, and the subsequent harassment and detainment of U.S. current and former locally-employed staff: Link to foreignaffairs.house.gov”

Steube (R-FL-17) 11/12/2021: Tweet – “Americans are still in Afghanistan. After Biden removed Houthis from the terrorist watch list, they seized our embassy in Yemen and took hostages. Biden, Blinken, Austin and Milley should all be removed from office before more Americans die as a result of their incompetence.”

Menendez (D-NJ) 11/12/2021: Retweet of @SenateForeign – “Today, @SenatorMenendez, @RepGregoryMeeks, @RepMcCaul, & I voiced concern over reports that the #Houthis have breached the U.S. embassy in #Yemen & detained staff. Such acts violate int’l law & basic principles of #humanrights, & will not be tolerated. Link to www.foreign.senate.gov”

Risch (R-ID) 11/12/2021: Tweet – “Today, @SenatorMenendez, @RepGregoryMeeks, @RepMcCaul, & I voiced concern over reports that the #Houthis have breached the U.S. embassy in #Yemen & detained staff. Such acts violate int’l law & basic principles of #humanrights, & will not be tolerated. Link to www.foreign.senate.gov” [also see HFAC press release]

Young (R-IN) 11/12/2021: Tweet – “#YemenCantWait Link to www.washingtonpost.com   Link to quoted tweet”

Green (R-TN) 11/12/2021: press release – Rep. Green Condemns Attack on U.S. Embassy in Yemen

Gallagher (R-WI) 11/12/2021: Press release – Gallagher: Biden Repeating Obama-era Mistakes in Middle East

Iran

Pfluger (R-TX-11) 11/18/2021: Tweet – “Iran is the largest state-sponsor of terrorism. The Biden Administration’s efforts to re-enter the Iran Nuclear Deal are dangerous and will only put the world at greater risk. U.S. floats temporary Iran nuclear deal – Axios”

Cruz (R-TX) 11/19/2021: Tweet – “‘Total lifting of sanctions’ isn’t something Joe Biden can give the Ayatollah, because that’s brazenly illegal. Again. Unless Biden brings an Iran deal to the Senate as a treaty, next GOP Pres will reimposes maximum pressure on day 1. Link to quoted tweet”

Warner (D-VA) 11/18/2021: Tweet – “My statement on today’s charges and sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities for interference in the 2020 election: Link to image”

Fallon (R-TX-4) 11/17/2021: Tweet – “The likes of China, Russia, and Iran are laughing at America right now. What will it take for this President to get tough on adversarial countries?”

Garcia (R-CA-25) 11/17/2021: Twitter thread – “Here we go again – another international crisis because of Biden. Biden is literally negotiating with himself. After 6 rounds of failed JCPOA talks and Iran showing no interest in any deal, Biden reeks of desperation to fulfill yet another misguided… U.S. floats temporary Iran nuclear deal – Axios campaign promise. This is like begging China to join the Paris Climate Accords. Iran deserves maximum pressure, not appeasement. Meanwhile, Iran has amassed more than 120kg of 20% enriched uranium, well above the 3.67% level agreed to in the 2015 deal. JCPOA = Worst. Deal. Ever.”

McClain (R-MI-10) 11/17/2021: Tweet – “How’s that Iran deal going, President Biden?”

McClain (R-MI-10) 11/17/2021: Tweet – “The U.S. cannot allow #Iran to resume building nuclear weapons.”

McClain (R-MI-10) 11/17/2021: Tweet – “I introduced the Iran Verification Act, which would prevent the Biden Administration from rejoining the failed JCPOA until #Iran is in full compliance with the letter and spirit of the deal.” (HR 1203)

Cornyn (R-TX) 11/18/2021: Tweet – “Iran has resumed producing parts for advanced centrifuges, diplomats said, a new challenge for the Biden administration as it prepares for nuclear talks Iran Resumes Production of Advanced Nuclear-Program Parts, Diplomats Say – WSJ”

Ernst (R-IA) 11/17/2021: Tweet – “The Biden Administration’s efforts to re-enter the Iran Nuclear Deal put the world at risk. We should be nowhere near re-entering this agreement with the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism. U.S. floats temporary Iran nuclear deal – Axios”

Risch (R-ID) 11/17/2021: Tweet – “I’ve long pressed the Biden Admin on the need to address #Iran’s malign regional influence. From #Syria to #Yemen, #Iran and its proxies continue to sow instability across the region. There’s more to be done & those on the frontline must be part of the conversation. Link to quoted tweet”

Fallon (R-TX-4) 11/17/2021: Tweet – “This is a threat that cannot be ignored or tolerated. We need to do everything in our power to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. Link to www.wsj.com”

Fallon (R-TX-4) 11/16/2021: Tweet – “In case you were wondering, this is bad… …very bad. Link to quoted tweet” [linked to Wall Street Journal article, Iran Resumes Production of Advanced Nuclear-Program Parts, Diplomats Say]

Miller-Meeks (R-IA-2) 11/16/2021: Tweet – “Iran has resumed producing centrifuge parts at a critical assembly plant, raising fresh concerns among Western diplomats who say it could open a pathway for it to start secretly diverting equipment to a covert nuclear-weapons program Link to www.wsj.com”

Cruz (R-TX) 11/16/2021: Tweet – “Is Joe Biden going to give the Ayatollah a congratulations call or just look the other way like all the other times? Link to www.wsj.com”

Clyde (R-GA-9) 11/15/2021: Retweet of @Kredo0 – “SCOOP: Congress Moves To Strong-Arm Biden Into Reimposing Sanctions on the Iran-Backed Houthi Rebels, Just Days After Militant Group Storms US Embassy Compound in Yemen — @SenTedCruz & @Rep_Clyde spearhead effort Link to freebeacon.com”

Crapo (R-ID) 11/15/2021: Twitter thread – “During my visit with key allies and partners in Southeast Asia, I spoke with leaders of Indo-Pacific nation allies about shared efforts to combat China’s manufacturing imbalances, and threats to free and fair trade. Link to image The Biden Administration cannot idly stand by as China advances its own trade priorities in the region, and the United States must lead by forging ambitious new trade deals with our allies. This was also an opportunity to have conversations about sanctions on Russia and Iran as well as additional efforts to combat national security threats from foreign investment, illicit finance and other economic issues. Link to www.crapo.senate.gov”

Cruz (R-TX) 11/12/2021: Tweet – “Shorter Iran: “We need Biden to be a dictator, an Ayatollah.” Biden’s response: “Fine by us!” Despite their dreams, under the Constitution the only way to make that happen is to SUBMIT IT AS A TREATY FOR SENATE CONFIRMATION…which Biden is afraid to do. Link to www.bloomberg.com”

Hagerty (R-TN) 11/12/2021: Tweet – “As Biden has frozen Trump’s maximum pressure campaign while begging to give sanctions relief to resurrect the flawed nuclear deal, the Iranian regime & its proxies have responded only w increasing aggression, terrorism—& now hostage-taking. Link to quoted tweet”

Brooks (R-AL-5) 11/12/2021: Retweet of @LibertyIranian – “WATCH: Throughout 2021, the Iranian Americans for Liberty (IAL) have hosted 16 Members of Congress (MOC) for virtual Congressional Meet & Greets. All of our events are free, open to the public & for educational purposes only. Please join us in saying thank you to these MOC’s! Link to video”

Greater Middle East – General

Wyden (D-OR) 11/18/2021: Tweet – “Productive meeting today with a member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party of Turkey. Today’s discussion made it clearer than ever that Turkey needs leaders like this who will honor human rights and democratic principles. Link to image”

Murphy (D-CT) 11/18/2021: Tweet – “I spoke by phone this morning with Egypt’s head of General Intelligence, Major General Abbas Kamel. I raised with him my continued serious concerns about human rights in Egypt, we spoke about mutual regional security issues, like Libya and Sudan.”

Hill (R-AR-2) 11/18/2021: Tweet – “The U.S. government must do all it can to disrupt the industrial level of drug production taking place in Syria. If it does not, we run the risk of permitting the narco state of Assad to become a permanent fixture in the region. Link to youtu.be   Link to quoted tweet”

Malliotakis (R-NY-11) 11/17/2021: Tweet – “Whether it’s Russia, China or Turkey, not standing up against international bullies make the United States look weak, invites more aggression and hurts our international standing. Link to www.foxnews.com”

Cassidy (R-LA) 11/17/2021: Tweet – “For months, my office has been involved in efforts to get a school of young musicians out of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Today, they are free. We are grateful to Qatar, Portugal and everyone we worked with to get these children to safety. Link to www.nytimes.com”

Sherrill (D-NJ-11) 11/13/2021: Twitter thread – “Earlier this week, I returned from Qatar on a Congressional Delegation trip I took with the @HASCDemocrats. I met with the Emir, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Deputy Minister who has been handling many of the issues related to the Afghan evacuees, and our troops there. Link to image I met servicemen and women who are taking time away from their own families to ensure Afghan families are taken care. I met soldiers, sailors & airmen who were serving there for a year or more — and while missing home and their families, served with pride and professionalism. Link to image I could not have been more impressed. It reminds me of why we thank our veterans for their service on Veterans Day. And from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the woman I spoke with — serving from Nebraska — who was searching high and low for halal meat and grab and go snacks to make life easier and a little brighter for the refugee families. Link to image I want to especially thank the New Jersey troops I met who miss the Garden State while they are serving in the desert, but made me incredibly proud of our great state. (And yes, I am working to lower taxes so you can all retire here!) I also want to thank the Qataris who have provided an incredible amount of support for our evacuation effort. And continue to support the evacuee children with art, social programs, and sports to make a tough time a bit easier. Link to image It broke my heart to hear of the 9 year old girl who had been separated from her family for months, but was going to be reunited at the airport with them the day I visited. Link to image Many Afghans fought side by side with our troops and saved countless American lives. Our troops and the Qataris are helping us fulfill our commitment to them.”

Jewish News Syndicate 11/12/2021: Republican lawmakers introduce bill to designate Muslim Brotherhood as terror group

Hill (R-AR-2) 11/12/2021: Retweet of @USCIRF – “Earlier this year, USCIRF Commissioner James W. Carr and @RepFrenchHill co-authored an op-ed published in @ArkansasOnline encouraging the Egyptian government to enact systematic religious freedom reforms. Link to www.arkansasonline.com”

Cardin (D-MD) 11/12/2021: Tweet – “192 countries came together for Expo 2020 to display their culture, artwork, innovation & technology. Thank you to the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy for hosting our congressional delegation at Expo 2020, it was a pleasure speaking with you. Link to photo”