FMEP Legislative Round-Up September 26, 2025

Resource

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

NOTE: Apologies of last week’s missing Round-Up (I was on travel). This edition covers September 12-26, 2025.

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(RECOGNIZE PALESTINE!) S. Res. 410: Introduced 9/18/25 by Merkley (D-OR) and having 9 cosponsors (8 Democrats, 1 Independent), “A resolution calling on the President to recognize a demilitarized State of Palestine, as consistent with international law and the principles of a two-state solution, alongside a secure State of Israel.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see:

(TARGET SOUTH AFRICA FOR ITS ISRAEL POLICIES) S. 2752: Introduced 9/10/25 by Kennedy (R-LA), the “U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see Kennedy press release 9/15/25: Kennedy introduces bill to hold South Africa accountable for anti-U.S. actions

(PROHIBITING ARREST IN US OF ISRAELIS INDICTED BY THE ICC) HR 5411 [bill text]: Introduced 9/16/25 by Stefanik (R-NY) and Lawler (R-NY), the “Sovereign Enforcement Integrity Act,” aka “To prohibit State and local law enforcement from arresting foreign nationals within the United States solely on the basis of an indictment, warrant, or request issued by the International Criminal Court, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: Stefanik press release – Stefanik Leads Bill to Prohibit Zohran Mamdani’s Plan to Arrest PM Benjamin Netanyahu if He Comes to NYC; Stefanik X-post – “Antisemite Communist Mamdani pledged to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu if he came to NYC. The United States is not part of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and their antisemitic hatred must not supersede the laws of the United States. That is why I introduced the Sovereign Enforcement Integrity Act to protect American sovereignty and prohibit radicals like Mamdani from arresting the leader of our democratic ally and friend Israel.“; Stefanik introduces legislation to prevent future NY officials from arresting Netanyahu (Jewish News Syndicate 9/17/25)

(TARGETING IRAN AT THE UN) HR 5495 / S. 2893: Introduced 9/18/25 in the House by Tenney (R-NY), Ogles (R-TN) and Salazar (R-FL), and in the Senate by Cruz (R-TX) and 7 all-Republican cosponsors,  “To require the denial of admission to the United States for individuals subject to sanctions pursuant to Executive Order 13876, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House and Senate Committees on the Judiciary. Also see press release – Congresswoman Tenney, Senator Cruz Reintroduce Bill to Block Entry of Iranian Regime Officials into the United States; GOP senators move to block sanctioned Iranian officials from entering US (Jewish News Syndicate 9/25/25)

(STOKING ISLAMOPHOBIA) HR 5512: Introduced 9/19/25 by Fine (R-FL), “To prohibit the application of Shari’a in the United States where such application would violate constitutional rights, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

(FY26 NDAA – Senate) S. 2296: This week the Senate continued its consideration of S. 2296, the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The base text includes (as always) some key provisions related to the Middle East and funding for Israel. Also, as always, a huge number of amendments to the bill were offered (760 total as of 10am 9/5/25), including many related to the Middle East and Israel. Many/most of these likely will not be considered, but they are all worth paying attention to, since NDAA amendments are always good indicators of members’ priorities (with respect to both policy and grandstanding). For a full account of  Middle East/Israel-related provisions in the base bill, as well as Middle East/Israel-related proposed amendments, see my comprehensive analysis (published 8/8/25; updated 9/25/25).

Members/media re: Legislation:

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

September 17, 2025: The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a markup entitled, State Reauthorization Bills Markup (videos of the two-say, multi-part markup are all on the linked page). This markup included HR 5300, “To guide the foreign policy of the United States, and for other purposes.” As summarized in the 9/12/25 edition of the Round-Up, the original text of the bill included:

  • a terrifying provision – Sec 226: “No passports for terrorists & traffickers” – to allow passport denial/revocation for anyone charged (not convicted) with supporting an FTO, or who SecState “determines” has “knowingly aided, assisted, abetted, or otherwise provided material support to an FTO.” Under this provision, the ONLY recourse for someone targeted with this wholly subjective/unaccountable determination is to request/be granted an appeal hearing at which they can try to convince SecState–acting as judge, jury, & executioner–to change his mind.
  • SEC. 323. American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Partnership Act.”
  • SEC. 404. Foreign Military Financing program with regard to Jordan.
  • SEC. 405. Extension of War Reserve Stockpile Allies-Israel. [“For fiscal year 2026, section 514(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321h(b)) shall not apply to defense articles to be set aside, earmarked, reserved, or intended for use as reserve stocks in stockpiles in the State of Israel.”]
  • SEC. 609. Report on country United Nations voting practices. [report to include: “a listing of all plenary votes cast by member countries of the United Nations in the General Assembly which provides a comparison of the votes cast by each member country with the vote cast by the United States, including a separate listing of all plenary votes cast by member countries of the United Nations in the General Assembly on resolutions specifically related to Israel that are opposed by the United States“]
  • SEC. 612. Prohibition on United States contributions to the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. [“No funds are authorized to be made available for any grant, payment or other contribution to the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel.”]

In committee, Sec 226 was removed thanks to an amendment in the nature of substitute offered be Mast. In addition, a large number of Middle East-related amendments were offered during the mark-up. My intention had been to cover all of these amendments in excruciating detail in this edition of the Round-Up (because as anyone who follows the Round-Up knows, amendments – even if they are never voted on or don’t pass – offer valuable information about members’ plans and aspirations), but as of this writing the link on the HFAC website leads to an “error” page. If that is fixed at some point in the future, I may try to cover the amendments then (or maybe not). But thankfully, some fellow Hill watchers were tracking these amendments in real time. Check out: truly superb, details coverage, live-streamed by Josh Paul at A New Policy – day 1 coverage, day 2 coverage; Dylan Williams at Center for International Policy 9/18/25; Seth Binder at Middle East DC.

Media:

September 17, 2025: The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) held a briefing entitled, Conspiracy Theories, Antisemitism, and Democratic Decline. Panelists were: James Kirchick, author and journalist;  Izabella Tabarovsky, fellow, Wilson Center; and Brian Hughes, director, Countering Antisemitism Lab, USC Shoah Foundation. Hearing video is here.

Other hearing-related news:

4. Selected Members on the Record

Politics/Elex/AIPAC

  • Massie (R-KY) 9/23/25: X-post – “Speaker Johnson just met privately with the Kentucky AIPAC guy who’s been trying to defeat me for many years because I won’t fund foreign wars and I don’t vote for foreign aid to any country…“
  • Greene (R-GA) 9/22/25: X-post – “This is worth a watch, even though I don’t agree with every sentiment said. I continue to condemn what happened on Oct 7th and at the same time I continue to condemn the genocide/ethnic cleansing happening in Gaza. And, I condemn America being used as the big brother bully and bankrolling it. I’m not against any type of people group. I’m a Christian and I want love and peace for everyone. But I’m also, unapologetically American. My focus is America Only. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that no matter which party is in charge, the secular government of Israel always gets its way. And that obvious fact is what myself and now the majority of Americans see as a problem. We don’t want to fight foreign wars anymore and we don’t want to pay for them. We can’t. We are broke at $37 trillion in debt and counting. And cost of living is making living feel more like slavery to many, who no matter how hard they work, they can never get ahead. Americans care about the problems they face at home and we have plenty of our own problems to deal with. There is no pr campaign big enough to change the trajectory of American’s extreme distaste of America last governing. It’s got to change.”

Gaza & West Bank 

  • Kaptur (D-OH) 9/25/25: X-post – “Humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach those in Gaza. I continue to call on the Israeli government to allow safe delivery of aid and I pray for the safety of innocents and those putting their lives on the line in the service of peace.”
  • Welch (D-VT) 9/24/25: X-post – “For decades, the U.S. has advocated for a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel. But the Trump Administration has shifted course to support Netanyahu’s warpath. We must reverse course and build on France and Saudi Arabia’s push for peace at the U.N. General Assembly.“
  • Panetta (D-CA) 9/22/25: X-post – Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s Statement on Netanyahu’s Expansion into the West Bank
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 9/21/25: X-post – “America is already complicit in Netanyahu’s campaign of ethnic cleansing in Gaza, and now Trump wants to send him $6.4B more in offensive weapons. Our priority should be ending the war and returning the hostages  — not funneling MORE taxpayer dollars to Netanyahu to bomb starving Gaza.“
  • Warren (D-MA) 9/19/25: X-post – “Netanyahu’s assault on Gaza City only worsens the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. There is no excuse for starving Palestinian children and killing innocent people. The U.S. should not send a single penny to fund Netanyahu’s war machine.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/19/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Communities throughout our country want the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza to stop. I’m demanding that our government stops funding this genocide. I submitted all the names of the Palestinians killed in Gaza into the congressional record. We must end this genocide.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/18/25: floor statement – Genocide in Gaza
  • Fernandez (D-NM) 9/18/25: X-post – “We cannot look at the horrors in Gaza and pretend they are anything less than what they are: evidence of war crimes that should be prosecuted” [full statement here]
  • McGovern (D-MA) 9/18/25: X-post – “The world has a moral and legal obligation to call atrocities by their name. What is happening in Gaza is genocide. The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide criminalizes acts committed with the intention to destroy a group in whole or in part. Leading experts and human rights organizations—Israeli, Palestinian, and international alike—continue to conclude that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet that legal threshold. That conclusion is now reinforced by the determination of a United Nations Commission of Inquiry. Its findings are clear: Prime Minister Netanyahu must end his military operations and policy of starvation in Gaza. All states are obligated to take action to bring the genocide to an end. As Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, I have long argued that U.S. foreign policy must be grounded in international law and the defense of human dignity. Our country cannot turn a blind eye to such blatant violations of these principles. Nor can we continue to arm and fund a government engaged in such crimes. The United States must forcefully demand an immediate ceasefire, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, a release of all hostages, and a diplomatic solution that secures safety and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 9/18/25: X-post w/ video – “If you are wondering what you can do to stop the atrocities in Gaza, I have a bill for that. This Block the Bombs Act would withhold weapons to Israel and demand they comply with US and international human rights laws. Is your member of Congress a sponsor?“
  • Welch (D-VT) 9/18/25: X-post w/ video – “Whatever you call what is happening in Gaza, one thing is clear: Prime Minister Netanyahu’s war campaign must end.“
  • Pocan (D-WI) 9/18/25: X-post w/ video – “I invited Dr. Adil Husain to my office to share his recent experience treating patients in Gaza. His story is a gut-wrenching reminder that we cannot continue to use our tax dollars to fund a genocide. It’s why I am co-leading the Block the Bombs Act!“
  • Schatz (D-HI) 9/17/25: X-thread – “Just met with Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan. We discussed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 1/5 While GHF has proven to be a failure, Jordan is a valued security partner in the region, and they, the UN, and other partners have the capability and capacity to surge aid into Gaza. 2/5 Hundreds of trucks, screening personnel, and tons of food and water aid are standing by ready to go into Gaza. Flooding Gaza with desperately needed humanitarian aid is the only way to blunt the spreading famine. 3/5 PM Netanyahu must immediately commit to working with our partners in the region to effectively screen aid rapidly and permit its entry into Gaza. 4/5 This is a humanitarian emergency. The United States and @SecRubio must make it clear to Israel that this cannot continue. 5/5“
  • Sanders (I-VT) 9/17/25: Sanders: It is Genocide
  • Balint (D-VT) 9/17/25: Rep. Becca Balint: “I believe Israel is Committing a Genocide in Gaza”
  • Balint (D-VT) 9/17/25: X-post – “The suffering in Gaza goes beyond the tragic loss of life inherent to war; at this point, the Netanyahu government’s actions appear to be a systematic, intentional destruction of the Palestinian people.“
  • Khanna (D-CA) 9/17/25: X-post – “I agree with the UN commission’s heartbreaking finding that there is a genocide in Gaza. What matters is what we do about it — stop military sales that are being used to kill civilians and recognize a Palestinian state.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/16/25: X-post – “As the apartheid regime accelerates its destruction and ethnic cleansing of Gaza, the UN has concluded what we’ve already known: Israel, with full U.S. support, is committing genocide in Palestine. Boycott, Divest, Sanction. An arms embargo is the bare minimum. Free Palestine.“
  • Omar (D-MN) 9/16/25: X-post – “The UN report makes plain what so many families in Gaza have been living through: the deliberate destruction of Palestinians. We have a moral responsibility to stop enabling this genocide and hold Israel accountable.”
  • Escobar (D-TX) 9/16/25: Congresswoman Escobar Releases Statement on Genocide in Gaza
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 9/16/25: X-post – “The evidence just keeps mounting that Israel’s government is committing genocide against the Palestinian people. As Israel expands its ground invasion into Gaza City, our government cannot continue to deny what so many clearly see. It is time for members of Congress to take a stand and cosponsor my Block the Bombs Act. Americans do not want to be complicit in the atrocities. We must act! Not one more dollar. Not one more bomb. Not one more excuse.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/16/25: X-post – “The Israeli govt is continuing its destruction of Gaza, now with a ground operation into Gaza City. How many more people have to die before this ends? The US must end our complicity in this genocide & stop supplying Israel with weapons. #BlockTheBombs
  • Coons (D-DE) 9/16/25: X-post – “Netanyahu’s ground invasion of Gaza City is a dangerous mistake that will worsen the tragic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. I will always stand for Israel’s right to self-defense, but this move risks thousands of innocent lives and only makes the return of hostages held by Hamas and a ceasefire harder to achieve.”
  • Doggett (D-TX) 9/15/25: X-post – “Important report from @ChrisVanHollen and @SenJeffMerkley on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Their findings lead to the inescapable conclusion that the extremist Netanyahu government has gone far beyond its justified goal of defeating Hamas to pursuing a policy of ethnic cleansing. Ongoing U.S. complicity in these crimes must end.”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 9/15/25: X-post – “Netanyahu & his cabinet of war criminals are planning for ‘voluntary’ migration of Palestinians from Gaza. Having starved them and bombed their homes, schools and hospitals, how can it be voluntary? This is ethnic cleansing. It’s a war crime. NO MORE US MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL.“
  • Goldman (D-NY) 9/12/25: Statement from Rep. Dan Goldman on Netanyahu’s Extremist West Bank Explansion Plan
  • Levin (D-CA) 9/12/24: Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement on Approval of New Settlement Construction in the West Bank
  • DeLauro (D-CT) 9/12/24: X-post – “Netanyahu will never be a partner for peace because his goal is complete occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. Abandoning a two-state solution means endless conflict, which the Israeli people should reject.“

Mahmoud Khalil/Free Speech/Protest

  • Welch (D-VT) 9/19/25: X-post – “We can’t allow our government to revoke someone’s legal status for exercising their freedom of speech. The Trump Administration’s targeting of Mahmoud Khalil is unconstitutional and needs to end.“
  • Pressley (D-MA) 9/19/25: X-post – “Mahmoud Khalil’s abduction & ongoing targeting by Trump is egregious. Trump is weaponizing our courts to persecute students exercising their First Amendment rights—just as a dictator would do.”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/19/25: X-post w/ video – “Trump’s ICE kidnapped Rümeysa Öztürk and detained her for 45 days, just for writing an op-ed that called on her university to divest from Israel. It was an authoritarian attack on the First Amendment and all of our free speech rights.“
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 9/17/25: X-post – “The courts are being weaponized to persecute Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident of the U.S., for exercising his 1st Amendment rights. Our taxpayers’ dollars are paying for the erosion of our civil and Constitutional rights. Tell us again how the Trump Administration is not an authoritarian regime.“
  • Mace (R-SC) 9/25/25: X-post – “Wikipedia isn’t just biased, it’s becoming a breeding ground for antisemitism. We’re stepping in with @gopoversight Chairman @RepJamesComer. America deserves the truth, not hate disguised as facts.“
  • Owens (R-UT) 9/19/25: X-post – “Had a productive visit with leaders from the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America to discuss @EdWorkforceCmte’s work to root out antisemitism – especially on college campuses, in K-12 classrooms, and in the workplace.“
  • House Committee on Education & the Workforce (GOP) 9/17/25: X-post – “Back in 2023, @MIT’s president testified before the Committee because of the school’s extreme failure to address antisemitism on campus. Since then, it seems antisemitism has gotten WORSE, leading to the open harassment of students and faculty who even APPEAR to be Jewish or Israeli. University leaders across the country are failing to follow the law and do something so simple: prevent harassment on their own campuses.“
  • Bacon (R-NE) 9/15/25: X-post – “Great speaking with @Princeton President Eisgruber again to discuss critical challenges facing higher education. We addressed federal research funding, campus free speech, and combating antisemitism.“

US Citizens killed & detained by Israel

  • Beyer (D-VA) 9/25/25: X-thread – “I recently met with families of Americans killed by Israeli forces and extremist settler violence. I join their call for accountability for their loved ones’ deaths and urge the release of Mohammed Ibrahim, a 16-year-old Florida boy jailed for 6 months without trial. 1/ Justice has been denied to the families of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, Sayfollah Musallet, Tawfic Abdel Jabbar, Rachel Corrie for far too long. Impunity is not the foundation of a rational alliance. Decades of Israeli government impunity must end. 2/2“
  • Lee (D-PA) 9/25/25: X-post w/ video: “The grief and outrage of the families of American citizens killed and detained by Israeli forces was palpable. I am so grateful for their courage and advocacy driven by the hope that more families do not have to experience the pain they do. We cannot have different systems of treatment for one group of folks over another.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/21/25: X-post – “U.S. citizens abroad deserve to be safe, and when they are killed, we must demand answers and accountability. For Ayşenur, for Rachel, for Sayfollah, for Tawfic, for Mohammed — we will keep demanding justice for those killed in Israel while peacefully protesting.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/19/25: X-post – “Americans abroad deserve to be safe, and when a U.S. citizen is killed in another country, our government has a responsibility to investigate and hold those responsible accountable. Nine Americans have been killed by the IDF or Israeli settlers since 2022. This must end.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/17/25: X-post – “A 16-year-old American citizen has been trapped in an Israeli prison for 7 months. He has lost over 30 pounds and developed scabies. The Israeli government should not be able to take our children like this and not be held accountable. His family needs him home. Free Mohammed Ibrahim today.“
  • Garcia (D-IL) 9/17/25: X-post w/ video – “Khamis Ayyad should still be alive today—just like the other 9 U.S. citizens killed by the IDF or Israeli settlers. It’s time to stop using our dollars to fund this violence and it’s time our government leads credible, thorough investigations into the death of its own citizens.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/17/25: X-post w/ video – “Americans were killed by the Israeli government and our own government looks the other way. There has been no justice for Shireen Abu Akleh, Rachel Corrie, Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, Sayfollah Musallet, and Tawfic Abdel Jabbar. Yesterday, I demanded that our government stops funding and supporting the Israeli government’s war crimes so that what has happened to their families never happens again.”
  • Pocan (D-WI) 9/16/25: X-post – “Since 2022, Israeli forces and settlers have killed at least 10 Americans in the West Bank & Gaza. No one has been held accountable. I’m joining the families in demanding the U.S. do what it would anywhere else: conduct independent investigations and hold the killers responsible.“
  • Lee (D-PA) 9/16/25: X-post – “Today I stood with the families of Rachel, Ayşenur, Tawfic, Sayfollah, and Mohammed—all American citizens who have been killed or detained by Israeli forces or settlers. They deserve to be home with their loved ones, and to have been protected by our laws, our Constitution, and our government. We will continue to push for accountability and justice for these families, and freedom for 16-year-old Mohammed Ibrahim, because protecting the Israeli government cannot and should not matter more than saving lives.“
  • Lee (D-PA) 9/16/25: Rep. Summer Lee Stands with American Families Demanding Justice and Accountability for Loved Ones Killed or Detained by Israeli Forces and Settlers
  • Beyer (D-VA) 9/16/25: X-thread – “Palestinian civilians continue to be killed with American weapons, Israeli hostages are no closer to freedom, and people in this country and around the globe are rightfully horrified that their leaders refuse to see what is obvious to everyone else. 1/2 The American blank check for Netanyahu’s Gaza City operation does not serve our interests. We are mired in a moral and strategic morass, and the only way out is a fundamental alteration of the broken U.S.-Israeli relationship. 2/2″

Recognition of Palestine

  • Senate Republicans 9/25/25: X-post – “Nearly two years ago, Hamas terrorists murdered dozens of Americans and thousands of Israelis. The Democrats who seek to reward them with statehood today will not only prolong this war but also encourage more acts of terror.“
  • Bacon (R-NE) 9/25/25: X-post – “The nations that recognized a Palestinian state while Hamas still holds 48 hostages for nearly two years made a grave mistake. They’re rewarding terrorism conducted on 7 Oct. The fact they did the recognition on a Jewish holy day was insulting. Further, where are the Palestinian leaders who recognize Israel as a Jewish state? There are none. They don’t want Israel to exist“
  • Cotton (R-AR) 9/23/25: X-post – “Recognizing ‘Palestine’ is a transparent attempt to appease Islamists in Europe, and it will only make peace less likely. We should continue backing Israel in its just war against Hamas to free the hostages.“
  • Mast (R-FL) 9/23/25: X-post – “Hamas terrorists should not be rewarded for their horrific and barbaric actions. Recognizing a “State of Palestine” will not lead to peace, it’ll only bring more bloodshed. Hamas can end the war today by releasing ALL the hostages.”
  • Schneider (D-IL) 9/23/25: “I am a lifelong believer in the legitimacy of the national aspirations of both the Israeli and the Palestinian people. That is why I must unequivocally condemn the premature, misguided, and unhelpful decisions this week by our allies Australia, Canada, France, the United Kingdom and six other countries to formally recognize the State of Palestine…”
  • Hudson (R-NC) 9/23/25: X-post – “I unequivocally stand with Israel and am disappointed by the decision by Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Portugal, and others to recognize a so-called Palestinian state. Gaza is controlled by the murderous terrorist group Hamas — who still hold hostages, steal food aid, and are directly responsible for the mass starvation and suffering in Gaza.   The recognition of a so-called Palestinian state does nothing more than reward Hamas who is the cause the chaos. The recognition of such a state would require a leader chosen by the people and able provide basic services, stability and who will act in good faith and civility within the region. Hamas is not this leader and recognizing them as such is playing with fire.   This move doesn’t advance peace; it rewards terrorism, ignores the hostages, and undermines our ally Israel. The United States must reject this naïve appeasement and instead stand firmly with Israel and for our values.“
  • Omar (D-MN) 9/23/25: X-post w/ video – “It’s beyond time the United States joined a majority of UN nations in recognizing Palestinian Statehood and calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza.“
  • Hagerty (R-TN) 9/23/25: X-post w/ video – “Recognizing the Palestinian state only further emboldens Hamas to commit acts of terror and destabilize the Middle East. Thankfully, @POTUS has brought back America First principles and is refusing to recognize and reward terrorism. I joined @Varneyco on @FoxBusiness to discuss.”
  • Feenstra (R-IA) 9/23/25: X-post -“Recognizing a Palestinian state while Hamas terrorists kill innocent Israelis and hold hostages with no remorse is wrong. I’m grateful that President Trump is working nonstop to secure the release of the hostages and advance peace through strength across the globe.”
  • Perry (R-PA) 9/22/25: X-post – “The leader of Hamas said that the ‘fruits’ of October 7th would be recognition by Western nations of a Palestinian state. Sadly, Canada and other nations are choosing to side with terrorists instead of Israel.“
  • Steube (R-FL) 9/22/25: X-post – “Palestine is not a state; it has never been a state, and a two-state solution is not possible when Palestinians don’t believe that Israel should exist. Recognizing a Palestinian state, especially while hostages remain in Gaza, only rewards Hamas and signals to every terrorist that violence pays...”
  • Barr (R-KY) 9/22/25: X-post – “Australia, France and the U.K. are key allies of the United States. But they are making a historic mistake. Diplomatic recognition of a “Palestinian state” is a reward for Hamas.“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/22/25: “I have long supported a two-state solution. Any formal recognition of a Palestinian state requires direct negotiations involving Israelis and Palestinians, not unilateral declarations by Western leaders. Unilaterally recognizing a Palestinian state without engaging in meaningful talks does nothing to change the situation on the ground or to bring the region closer to a viable, lasting peace. Worse, these empty announcements only reward Hamas terrorism while doing nothing for Palestinian families. In fact, Hamas is openly celebrating these recognitions as ‘the fruits’ of October 7 — when terrorists brutally kidnapped, raped, and murdered more than 1,200 people, including dozens of Americans. With these performative actions, Western leaders are feeding into Hamas’s narrative that their violence has successfully brought about change. A viable Palestinian state requires forward-looking leaders, stable institutions, and a commitment to peace. Hamas cannot remain in power in any capacity and, right now, the Palestinian Authority falls short on all three. Our focus should be on creating the conditions that make peace possible, including the defeat of Hamas and reform of the Palestinian Authority, not on empty words or performative actions that only empower terrorists.”
  • Tenney (R-NY) 9/22/25: X-post – “October 7 was a massacre, not a pretext for rewarding terrorists with legitimization and recognition. Caving to extremists in their countries, the UK, France, Canada, and Australia betray Israel and reward Hamas. They abandon the Western values they once defended.”
  • Harris (R-MD) 9/22/25: X-post – “It is a grave mistake for any nation to unilaterally recognize ‘Palestine’ as a state. Such decisions not only reward terrorism — they undermine the security of our ally Israel and embolden violent actors like Hamas who have no interest in peace.“
  • Fedorchak (R-ND) 9/22/25: X-post – “The UK, Canada, & Australia’s recognition of a Palestinian state while Hamas still holds hostages is not a step toward peace. Instead, it rewards terror, emboldens Hamas, and deepens their stranglehold on innocent Palestinians they use as pawns in their war to eradicate Israel.“
  • Smith (R-NE) 9/22/25: X-post – “As we approach two years since the Oct. 7th terror attack, this sends the wrong signal to our allies and adversaries alike. Hamas continues to hold innocent civilians hostage and threaten Israel’s right to exist. The immediate, safe return of all remaining hostages and unconditional surrender of Hamas must be the first steps to peace.“
  • Davidson (R-OH) 9/22/25: X-post – “Many of the same globalists pushing for a Palestinian state (rewarding Hamas aggression), obstruct peace for Ukraine claiming it would reward Russian aggression. Maybe the globalists just want more wars in more places.“
  • Calvert (R-CA) 9/22/25: X-post – “The decision by the U.K., Australia and Canada to recognize a Palestinian state is both dangerous and irresponsible. We cannot reward Hamas for its barbaric attack on Israel and inhumane conduct. The U.S. will continue to stand by our ally Israel.”
  • Lankford (R-OK) 9/22/25: X-post – “As Jews across America and around the world prepare to celebrate the High Holidays, the terrorists of Hamas continue to hold Jewish hostages. Instead of insisting on the immediate release of the hostages, some nations have determined that right now is the moment to recognize a Palestinian state, with no agreed upon leader, which gives into the demands of Hamas and encourages more violence to achieve their goals.“
  • Risch (R-ID) 9/22/25: Risch Statement on Allies’ Recognition of a Palestinian State
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 9/22/25: X-post – “AI Overview – Bonjour Hamas, we have a special gift for you!“
  • Risch (R-ID) 9/21/25: X-post – “I applaud Japan for its decision to not join the bandwagon effort to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. It is gross diplomatic malpractice to reward Hamas for October 7.”
  • Scott (R-SC) 9/21/25: X-p0st – “The UK, Canada, and Australia’s recognition of a Palestinian state rewards Hamas for the October 7 terrorist attack. Hamas leaders are already calling the move ‘the fruits of October 7.’ This reckless decision appeases and emboldens terrorists around the world while doing nothing to secure the release of the remaining 48 hostages.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 9/21/25: X-post – “Don’t be fooled—Hamas is a force of pure evil. These terrorists have tortured innocent hostages for 716 days, while stealing critical humanitarian aid from the people of Gaza. Hamas should never be recognized as anything other than terrorists. We must hold them accountable for this cruelty and bring every last hostage home.“
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 9/21/25: X-post – “Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. While @Keir_Starmer stands with Hamas & their violence, the United States will ALWAYS stand with the Jewish State of Israel!”
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 9/21/25: X-post – “The socialist, leftist governments of Canada, Australia, and the UK all rush to take advantage of trade deals with America & later stab us in the back by siding with Hamas. In the U.S. Congress, we will not take this pathetic betrayal lightly.”
  • Lawler (R-NY) 9/21/25: X-post – “This reckless decision by the UK, Canada, and Australia is a betrayal of our ally Israel and a gift to Hamas and Iran’s terror proxies. Rewarding terrorism with premature recognition does nothing to advance peace and will only embolden extremists whose stated goal is the destruction of Israel. Just today, senior Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad admitted that this recognition is ‘one of the fruits of October 7.’ These countries are legitimizing terrorism and validating the mass murder of innocent civilians. It is shameful and dangerous. Israel has every right to defend itself and determine its own future without foreign governments dictating terms. As I have said before, the path to peace is simple: Hamas must surrender, release all hostages, and renounce its mission to wipe Israel off the map. Anything less is appeasement and puts innocent lives at risk. America must stand firm with Israel and reject these misguided moves by our allies. The United States cannot and should not follow suit. Peace in the Middle East will never be achieved by rewarding violence.“
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 9/19/25: X-post – “France, Senate Democrats or anyone: Recognizing Palestine is the ‘best way’ to reward Hamas for killing and raping over 1200 Israelis, and keeping hostages underground for two years. When Hamas is cheering for your decision, you really should reconsider your core values.”

The Flotilla

  • McGovern (D-MA) 9/18/25: X-post – “I wholeheartedly agree with my colleagues in the Senate. @SecRubio, we must guarantee the right of Americans to peacefully navigate international waters. The Netanyahu government has already carried out drone strikes against American citizens who are simply trying to help get humanitarian aid into Gaza. You must act now to protect them.“
  • Simon (D-CA) 9/16/25: X-post – “Thank you to the #GlobalSumudFlotilla —including an individual from the East Bay who is traveling on the flotilla—for leading a peaceful humanitarian mission to end man-made famine and genocide in Gaza. I urge the Israeli government to end the blockade and let desperately needed humanitarian aid in immediately.“

Lebanon & Syria

  • Meeks (D-NY) 9/24/25: Meeks Meets with Lebanese President Aoun & Foreign Minister Rajji on Sidelines of UN General Assembly
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/23/25: X-post – “On top of the horrific genocide in Gaza, the Israeli government continues to bomb civilians in multiple countries, including near-daily attacks on Lebanon. This week, one of those bombs killed a young family with ties to the Charara family in our district. Three beautiful children—Hadi, Silan, and Celine—were murdered alongside their father with weapons funded by our government. Our country must end this support for endless war crimes.“
  • Meeks (D-NY) 9/22/25: Ranking Members Meeks, Shaheen Meet with Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Sidelines of UN General Assembly

We Stand 100% with Israel on everything

  • Cammack (R-FL) 9/23/25: X-post – “The UN has become the epicenter of antisemitism. Holding a Gaza meeting on Rosh Hashanah isn’t a coincidence—it’s a message: isolate the Jewish people, deny them a seat at the table and silence them. Totally unacceptable.“
  • Scott (R-FL) 9/23/25: X-post – “For 718 days, Hamas has waged a war on Israel and held innocent hostages to inflict pain and suffering. Let me be clear: Hamas will not win – evil never does. @SecRubio is right that peace is achievable once every last hostage is released and Hamas is destroyed.“
  • Alford (R-MO) 9/23/25: X-post w/ video – “Israel has every right to live in peace and finish the job against Hamas. Rebuilding with strong, responsible leadership from Arab neighbors in the region must follow“
  • Cotton (R-IN) 9/17/25: X-post – “The United States has zero business supporting the Palestinian Authority, which pays terrorists to kill American civilians in Israel.“
  • Kustoff (R-TN) 9/17/25: X-post – “This morning, I joined @SpeakerJohnson for a roundtable with Friends of Israel to discuss strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship, security in the region, and the fight against antisemitism. I am grateful to serve as Chairman of the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group and continue this important work.“
  • Cotton (R-IN) 9/16/25: X-post – “Hamas has terrorized Israel and the Middle East for far too long. We should let our Israeli allies win the war in Gaza and to totally and completely destroy Hamas.“
  • Daines (R-MT) 9/16/25: Op-ed in the Daily Caller – A Roadmap For The US-Israel Alliance
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/15/25: X-post – “Our commitment to the remaining American and Israeli hostages and their families must be clear: we never leave anyone behind. I was honored to host a roundtable last week with released hostage, Raz Ben Ami, and families of hostages still held by Hamas terrorists. I will keep fighting until every hostage is brought home.“
  • Daines (R-MT) 9/15/25: Daines Meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Attends Ceremony Unveiling Pilgrim’s Road
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/15/25: X-post – “Our commitment to the remaining American and Israeli hostages and their families must be clear: we never leave anyone behind. I was honored to host a roundtable last week with released hostage, Raz Ben Ami, and families of hostages still held by Hamas terrorists. I will keep fighting until every hostage is brought home.“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/15/25: X-post – “Senator @ChrisVanHollen and @SenJeffMerkley’s report on Gaza is outright wrong. Israel is fighting Hamas, a terror group that steals aid and hides behind civilians. Calling this “collective punishment” distorts reality — Israel is at war with an enemy that hides among 2 million people without regard for their lives. Civilians are suffering, which is why we must surge protected aid. The UN admits up to 90% of its aid never reaches civilians — I saw it firsthand at the Gaza border, where food piles up without a plan to ensure delivery. That’s why I called on the UN in a recent op-ed to work alongside GHF to protect its aid and get food directly to families faster, not Hamas fighters. Senators Van Hollen and Merkley should use their roles to advance a better future for Israelis and Palestinians. Claims of ‘ethnic cleansing’ are false and do nothing to change the situation on the ground.“

Turkey

  • Malliotakis (R-NY) 9/25/25: X-post – “Let us reiterate that it’s a VERY BAD idea to sell Erdogan— who aligns himself with Vladimir Putin, harbors Hamas leadership, continues to illegally occupy Cyprus, conducts illegal overflights above Greek islands and threatens to invade Israel—American F-35 jets!“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/25/25: X-post – “Turkey cannot be trusted with America’s most advanced fighter jets. President Erdogan has cozied up to Hamas and Putin while threatening our allies: Israel, Greece, & Cyprus. The Trump Administration must block Turkey’s dangerous push to rejoin the F-35 program.“
  • Bilirakis (R-FL) 9/22/25: Hellenic Caucus Issues Statement of Concern Regarding Negotiations with Erdogan Regime. Also see: Bipartisan group of House lawmakers urge Trump to be ‘very careful’ in Erdogan talks (Jewish Insider 9/22/25)
  • Malliotakis (R-NY) 9/22/25: Malliotakis Statement Opposing Turkey’s Return to F-35 Program
  • Titus (D-NC) 9/19/25: X-post – “In just the last few years, President Erdogan has acquired S-400s from Russia, threatened to invade Israel, and continued his antagonism toward Greece and Cyprus. Any progress in discussions toward Turkey’s readmission to the F-35 program will be unacceptable. I forcefully urge @POTUS to recalibrate and see Erdogan for who he is: a spoiler in the NATO alliance.”

Rosh Hashanah Wishes (for Israel)

  • Fetterman (D-PA) 9/23/25: X-post – “To all Jewish communities celebrating Rosh Hashanah across PA, our nation, and the world: My thoughts are with the hostages, IDF soldiers, and Israel on this sacred time.   Shanah Tovah!“

Abraham Accords

  • Ernst (R-IA) 9/15/25: Ernst Commemorates Fifth Anniversary of Abraham Accords
  • Wagner (R-MO) 9/15/25: X-post – “It has been five years since the historic signing of the Abraham Accords created an unprecedented new partnership between Israel and its neighbors. As Co-Chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, I am honored to advance one of President Trump’s most significant foreign policy accomplishments. I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress and our counterparts abroad to achieve greater stability and peace in the Middle East, counter destructive regimes, and strengthen our U.S. national security interests.”
  • Harrigan (R-NC) 9/15/25: X-post – “Five years ago today, @POTUS did what the experts said could never happen: he brokered peace in the Middle East. The Abraham Accords brought Israel and Arab nations to the same table, proving that American strength can make possible what the foreign policy class never even dared to imagine.“
  • Haridopolos (R-FL) 9/15/25: X-post – “Five years ago today, President Trump made history by signing the Abraham Accords with Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain, the boldest step for peace the Middle East had ever witnessed. This was achieved because America led with strength and vision, and it should be a foundation for future peace in the region.“
  • Lankford (R-OK) 9/15/25: X-post – “Today marks the five-year anniversary of the Abraham Accords. The Abraham Accords have transformed the Middle East, opening the door to unprecedented normalization between Israel and several Arab nations. As the Middle East continues to face turmoil, the US should build on the Accords and foster ongoing dialogue to advance peace in the region. Let’s keep working together to secure lasting peace.“
  • Budd (R-NC) 9/15/25: X-post – “Today marks 5 years since the Abraham Accords—a historic breakthrough for peace & economic partnership. In the face of Iran & its terrorist proxies’ escalating attacks on Israel, the Accords are more vital than ever to advance security, prosperity, & lasting peace.“

Islamophobia

  • Fine (R-FL) 9/25/25: X-post – “Muslims blasting their ‘prayers’ in an American city at 5 AM isn’t a call to worship, it’s a call to action. This is their warning siren. We should listen. No different than the German Stuka dive bomber scream of WWII.“
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/17/25: X-post – “We need to stop pretending Islam is compatible with American values.“

Other stuff

  • Welch (D-VT) 9/23/25: Welch Statement on the French-Saudi Summit on the Two-State Solution
  • Cotton (R-AR) 9/23/25: X-post – “Al Jazeera is not a news organization, it’s a mouthpiece for Hamas. American AI companies shouldn’t rely on terrorist-sympathizing networks as a trusted source.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 9/23/25: X-post – “I am very pleased that @POTUS highlighted the fact that Christians throughout the world, particularly in the Middle East, are under siege. Lebanon and Israel are some of the only places where Christians can worship freely without fear in the Middle East. The persecution of Christians should be more forcefully addressed by the civilized world.   I’m grateful to President Trump for shedding light on this issue.”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/19/25: X-post – “The Israeli government continues to violate international law — this time, killing 31 journalists in a strike on Yemen in the second deadliest attack on the press ever recorded. The U.S. cannot keep funding and supplying weapons for this destruction.“

5. Selected Media

Politics/Elex

NOTE: This political season is seeing a number of candidates running on explicitly as anti-AIPAC, or anti-pro-Israel/pro-genocide policies of the incumbent, including: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here

Gaza/West Bank

Targeting Free Speech/Right to Protest/Academia

CONGRESS STANDS WITH ISRAEL (including against US right to free speech/protest)

Syria