Legislative Round-Up: January 14, 2022

by APN 01/18/22
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 Produced by the Foundation for Middle East Peace in cooperation with Americans for Peace Now, where the Legislative Round-Up was conceived.

1. Bills, Resolutions, Letters
2. Congress Leans In to the Abraham Accords
3. On the Record

New FMEP programming this week:

1. Bills, Resolutions & Letters

(TARGETING UNRWA, YET AGAIN) S. 3467: Introduced 1/10 by Risch (R-ID) and 6 Republican cosponsors, “A bill to withhold United States contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and for other purposes.” Introduced in the Senate 1/10, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time. NOTE: This is a re-introduction of Risch’s “UNRWA Accountability and Transparency Act,” last introduced by Risch 7/27/21 as S. 2479, the (when it was referred to the SFRC and saw no further action). As noted in the 7/30/21 edition of the Round-Up, this bill:

  • attacks UNRWA (the organization)
  • attacks Palestinian refugees (legislating them out of existence)
  • delegitimizes Palestinian history/narrative/rights (by targeting the mere idea of the right of return)
  • attacks non-violent protest of Israel via boycotts of either Israel or settlements (citing an Obama-era trade law to conflate the two), and
  • legislates/weaponizes a definition of “antisemitism” that explicitly conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism.

LETTERS

(CONCERNS ABOUT TUNISIA) HFAC/SFRC leaders letter to Blinken: On 1/12, Sens. Menendez (D-NJ) and Risch (R-ID), and Reps. Meeks (D-NY) and McCaul (R-TX), jointly sent a letter to SecState Blinken to share their “concerns that recent developments in the country threaten Tunisia’s democracy.” After listing those concerns, the letter goes on to state, “While we underscore the continued importance of aid for Tunisia, especially as related to COVID response and the strategic importance of continuing U.S.-Tunisia defense cooperation, we urge the Administration to carefully consider the scope and priorities of U.S. assistance, including the possibility of conditioning certain aid on measurable reforms.”  Press release: Ahead of 11th Anniversary of Tunisian Revolution, Risch, Menendez, Meeks, McCaul Urge Biden Administration to Assess President Saïed’s Anti-Democratic Trajectory, Ensure Meaningful Reforms (House version is here. Also see members’ Tweets:

  • Meeks (D-NY-5) 01/12/2022: Twitter thread – “.@RepGregoryMeeks @SenatorMenendez, @SenatorRisch @RepMcCaul letter to @SecBlinken expressing concern with continued undemocratic actions by #Tunisia and calling for an end to politicized detentions, media censorship, and a fully inclusive and transparent reform process.”
  • Menendez (D-NJ) 01/13/2022: Retweet of @HouseForeign – “.@RepGregoryMeeks @SenatorMenendez, @SenatorRisch @RepMcCaul letter to @SecBlinken expressing concern with continued undemocratic actions by #Tunisia and calling for an end to politicized detentions, media censorship, and a fully inclusive and transparent reform process. Link to image”
  • Risch (R-ID) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “While we welcome President Saïed’s appointment of a new PM & plans to reform, @SenatorMenendez, @RepGregoryMeeks, @RepMcCaul, & I agree more needs to be done to address recent concerning developments in #Tunisia that threaten the country’s #democracy…”

(STOP TALKING TO IRAN!) McCaul et al letter to Blinken: On 1/11, Rep. McCaul (R-TX) led a letter, cosigned by 109 Republican colleagues, urging him to  “immediately withdraw from the fruitless Vienna talks [later in the letter referred to as “farcical negotiations”] to re-enter the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and instead strongly enforce existing sanctions against Iran, particularly with respect to the oil trade between Iran and the People’s Republic of China (PRC).” Also see: 110 Republican Lawmakers Call on Biden To Abandon Iran Nuclear Talks (Free Beacon). Member tweets about the letter:

  • McCaul (R-TX-10) 01/13/2022: Twitter thread – “LR @RepMcCaul and over 100 House Republicans sent a letter to @SecBlinken urging the administration to pull out of the fruitless Vienna talks to re-enter the JCPOA ‘Iran’s growing nuclear provocations, while stalling progress in negotiations, are the epitome of bad faith. The United States and our partners must increase pressure on Iran to stop its dangerous nuclear advancements.’”
  • Granger (R-TX-12) 01/13/2022: Twitter thread – “I was proud to join over 100 of my Republican colleagues in urging the Biden Administration to end their fruitless negotiations with the Iranian regime and get serious about stopping Iran’s nuclear program…”
  • Green (R-TN-7) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “Only increased sanctions and full enforcement of restrictions will stop Iran’s march toward a nuclear weapon, not endless negotiations in Vienna.”
  • Jacobs (R-NY-27) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “Iran is a state sponsor of terror and a threat to global security.   The Biden admin must drop their fruitless negotiations to revive the Iran nuclear deal and instead enforce existing sanctions to the fullest extent possible. Link to image”
  • Issa (R-CA-50) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “The Biden administration needs to let go of its dream of a White House signing ceremony with the Mullahs of Iran…”
  • Kustoff (R-TN-8) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “We must increase pressure on Iran to stop its dangerous nuclear advancements. I joined @RepMcCaul in sending a letter to @SecBlinken urging @JoeBiden to end current Iran talks. Instead, we must enforce existing sanctions, particularly between Iran & China.”
  • Van Duyne (R-TX-24) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “We must not trust Iran – the LARGEST state sponsor of terrorism – and continue strict sanctions on the malign state. Read about our letter to Secretary Blinken…” Also posted on GETTR
  • Fallon (R-TX-4) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “The Iranian regime is not negotiating in good faith. It’s crucial that these talks end immediately. I am proud to join fellow Texan @RepMcCaul in this effort!”

(URGENT CONCERNS RE: US SYRIA POLICY) HFAC/SFRC leaders letter to Biden: On 1/11, Sens. Menendez (D-NJ) and Risch (R-ID), and Reps. Meeks (D-NY) and McCaul (R-TX), jointly sent a letter to President Biden expressing urgent concerns regarding his administration’s Syria policies. The letter asks the president to: refuse reintegrating the Assad regime into the international community without meaningful reforms that demonstrate accountability and reflect the will of the Syrian people; to tell the authors (within 60 days of receipt of the letter) his strategy to prevent the Assad regime stealing aid funds and to ensure U.S. and international aid ends up in the hands of those that need it most; to “deploy our counter-drug trafficking tools in the Syria context to cut off the regime’s access to illicit funds gained through the captagon trade”; and to provide Congress with an interagency briefing, to include National Security Council participation, on Syria policy moving forward. Press releases: House, Senate. Also see Tweets:

  • McCaul (R-TX-10) 01/12/2022: Retweet of @SenateForeign – “Given #Assad’s horrific crimes against #Syrians, the U.S. must refuse the regime’s reintegration into the int’l community without reforms that demonstrate accountability & reflect the will of the people. It’s past time for Biden to reinforce that position”
  • Meeks (D-NY-5) 01/11/2022: Twitter thread – “.@RepGregoryMeeks @RepMcCaul @SenatorMenendez @SenatorRisch letter to @POTUS condemning Assad’s continued crimes against the Syrian people, opposing Syria’s re-entry into the Arab League, and calling for justice and accountability….”
  • Risch (R-ID) 01/11/2022: Tweet – “Given #Assad’s horrific crimes against #Syrians, the U.S. must refuse the regime’s reintegration into the int’l community without reforms that demonstrate accountability & reflect the will of the people. It’s past time for Biden to reinforce that position.”
  • Kinzinger (R-IL-16) 01/11/2022: Retweet of @zacharybasu – “Don’t see this every day: The top Democrat and Republican on both the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs committees are raising “urgent” concerns about Biden’s Syria policy — including “tacit approval” of Arab states’ normalization with the Assad regime.”

(DON’T LET RAND PAUL KEEP BLOCKING IRON DOME EXTRA $1 BILLION) Pro-Israel orgs’ letters: On 1/11, a group of pro-Israel Jewish American organizations sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader McConnell (R-KY) urging them to:

“ignore the unfortunate gamesmanship that is taking place right now in the Senate [with respect to giving Israel an extra $1 billion for Iron Dome] and to press forward in bringing the House-passed legislation to the floor for a vote. President Biden has made it clear that he will immediately sign such legislation, and with the House having done its work, it is time for the Senate to act. The result will no doubt be another overwhelmingly bipartisan vote in favor of this aid, honoring the longstanding U.S. commitment to provide for Israel’s security.”

That letter was signed by: the American Jewish Congress, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Agudath Israel of America, Ameinu, B’nai B’rith International, Hadassah, Israel Policy Forum, Jewish Women International, Rabbinical Assembly (Conservative Movement), Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, Union for Reform Judaism, and the Zionist Organization of America.

Separately, on 1/11, another group of pro-Israel organizations (Jewish and Christian) sent a letter to Schumer and McConnell on the same topic, concluding with:

“One person’s objection should not undermine the overwhelming bipartisan will of the Senate nor stand in the way of ensuring Israel has the tools necessary to keep its people safe. While we understand the supplemental Iron Dome funding would likely be included in a final omnibus spending package, the delay and even the prospects of a second continuing resolution undermine Israel’s security when the need to replenish this defensive system is urgent. The stakes are high. Failure to act could embolden Hamas or Hezbollah and imperils innocent lives on the ground. We urge you to find a path forward to pass the funding to replenish Iron Dome supply as quickly as possible.”

That letter was signed by: Christians United for Israel, The Jewish Federations of North America, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, Hadassah, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Union for Reform Judaism, Anti-Defamation League. For more on this letter, see: Rand Paul takes heat from pro-Israel groups for stalling Iron Dome funding (Jewish Insider) and Major Jewish groups urge Senate to take immediate action to replenish Iron Dome (Jewish News Syndicate). For additional fascinating background on a group proudly claiming to be a force behind Iron Dome funding and other Israel-related initiatives in Congress, see: From Iron Dome to supply chains, US Christian group quietly shaping US-Israel ties (Times of Israel)

 

2.Congress Leans In to the Abraham Accords

On January 10th, a new congressional “Abraham Accords Caucus” was launched, for the purpose (per Jewish Insider) of “supporting and promoting the normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states.” JI continues: “The caucus’s co-chairs will be Sens. James Lankford (R-OK), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), David Trone (D-MD), Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Brad Schneider (D-IL). Lankford described the new group as a ‘cheerleading squad’ for the Accords in an interview with Jewish Insider last week.”

A serious investment of time and effort (and possibly funding) has clearly gone into establishing the caucus and getting its establishment/objectives maximum attention – managing to pull together a caucus that is bipartisan and bicameral, and that enjoys support from an array of mainly center/right-wing pro-Israel groups (both Jewish and Christian), as well as one mainstream think tank (According to the press releases announcing the new Caucus, the Caucus is “supported” by:

  • the Atlantic Council
  • the Abraham Accords Peace Institute
  • the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)
  • the Anti-Defamation League
  • the American Jewish Committee
  • Hadassah
  • the US-Israel Education Association (a Christian group deeply engaged in promoting settlements/Greater Israel, and profiled this week in Times of Israel)
  • the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
  • the Israel Policy Forum
  • Christians United for Israel (CUFI) Action
  • the Jewish Federations of North America
  • B’nai B’rith International

In addition, the announcement of the new caucus was accompanied by praise/welcome from the Biden Administration, from the Bahraini government (among others) and a burst of giddy articles/op-eds/editorials promoting the Abraham Accords and/or the caucus, and pressing the Biden Administration to do more to expand normalization — including in The Hill, Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, Jewish News Syndicate, i24 News, another Jerusalem Post (lead editorial. Also see: Launching Israel office, Abraham Accords Peace Institute sees ‘explosive growth’ on the horizon (Jewish News Syndicate 1/14/22)

Moreover, in what is either a truly remarkable coincidence, or – more likely, as part of an organized effort — on January 11th JINSA announced the imminent release of a new report, entitled “A Stronger and Wider Peace: A US Strategy for Advancing the Abraham Accords.” JINSA describes the report as reflecting “the consensus views of a high-level task force of retired U.S. flag officers and senior officials convened by JINSA for the purposes of assessing the Accords and how the United States can best build on them to advance its national interests in the Middle East, especially in the sphere of defense cooperation.” The rollout webinar, scheduled for 1/19, will feature the UAE, Bahraini, and Israeli ambassadors to the US, along with a Fox News correspondent, 2 former US military officials, and Amb. Eric Edelman (JINSA). Notably, Rubio (R-FL) recorded a video for JINSA (dated 1/11) promoting the report, and laying out some of its key recommendations: continuing integrating US security assistance to Israel within US Central Command “to further Israel-Arab security cooperation”; increase maritime security cooperation between the Accord countries “to keep vulnerable waterways open”; and to “support the development of regional air defense systems to protect against missiles and and drones coming from Iran and the proxy groups they empower.” Rep. Waltz (R-FL), also recorded a promotional video (also dated 1/11) fulsomely praising the new JINSA report, which he calls a “fantastic blueprint” and which he promises to promote strongly in Congress.

This sudden burst of enthusiasm/support/pressure around the Abraham Accords all appears aimed at pressuring the Biden Administration not only to more strongly support the Accords but to follow in the footsteps of the Trump Administration in using U.S. sweeteners to achieve normalization deals — sweeteners that under Trump meant that the accords were paid for via US arms deals and by the U.S. changing policy on a critical geopolitical/legal question (i.e., recognizing Morocco’s claims to the Western Sahara). For example, the lead editorial in the Jerusalem Post 1/11/22, devoted to the establishment of the new caucus, notes:

“For countries on the fence, wondering whether it’s in their interest to take the leap and normalize ties with Israel, the existence of a bipartisan caucus may give them confidence that if they do make the move, they will have earned goodwill points with American lawmakers, something that could serve their countries in good stead in the future…We hope this caucus will inject new momentum into this process by convincing the White House and State Department to incentivize other countries to join a framework that holds out so much promise for the region.”

In addition, there is now appearing new framing, according to which the Abraham Accords should be understood as a silver bullet that will solve/improve all problems and challenges that the U.S. (and Israel) face in the region. Indeed, writing in the Hill, Amb. Mark Green, president of the Woodrow Wilson Center, states explicitly:

“The Biden administration has a choice now, and it’s an easy one. The U.S. can choose to push on the open door of further regional integration by incentivizing other countries to join the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, Egypt and Jordan in fully recognizing Israel. Climate and security challenges will be met, Iran will be deterred, and economic prosperity will increase. Or the U.S. can let this happen without us, missing the opportunity to be part of one of the greatest diplomatic achievements of a generation.”

As a reminder, a favorite tactic of opponents of Israel/Palestine peace efforts has long been to argue — inaccurately — that backers of Israel/Palestine peace efforts naively see Israeli-Palestinian peace as a silver bullet that will solve all problems in the region. Many of these opponents have long embraced, as well, a corollary (and more malicious) entirely false argument, suggesting that backers of Israel-Palestine peace believe that the absence of a resolution to that conflict is the source of all problems in the region (and a corollary to that argument, suggesting, inaccurately, that backers of Israel-Palestine peace are, in effect, blaming Israel for all ills in the region).

Members on the Abraham Accords Caucus & US Policy

The announcement of the new caucus was accompanied by a flurry of ecstatic statements [Wagner (R-MO); McMorris Rodgers (R-WA); Schneider (R-IL); another from McMorris Rodgers (R-WA); Rosen (D-NV)] and tweets (see below) from members of Congress (arranged below in chronological order, starting with the announcement of the caucus). Notably, this bipartisan Congressional enthusiasm for expanding Arab normalization with Israel stands in stark contrast to decades of Congress’s demonstrated apathy, timidity, antipathy, and outright obstructionism with respect to anything related to trying to secure normal rights for Palestinians.

Rosen (D-NV) 01/10/2022: Tweet – “Looking forward to co-chairing the bipartisan Abraham Accords Caucus, which will support America’s leadership role in fostering peace between Israel & its neighbors by strengthening existing partnerships & widening the circle of peace to new countries.”

Cornyn (R-TX) 01/10/2022: Tweet – “Congress launches bipartisan Abraham Accords Caucus Link to jewishinsider.com”

Rodgers (R-WA-5) 01/10/2022: Tweet – “I am proud to announce that I will be leading the new Abraham Accords Caucus. This bipartisan, bicameral caucus will provide an opportunity for world leaders to come together in our common pursuit of creating a safer and more prosperous world for our children and grandchildren.Link to quoted tweet”

Schneider (D-IL-10) 01/10/2022: Twitter thread – “The Abraham Accords have already made historic progress in changing the dynamic of the entire Middle East, and hold the hope for more steps towards regional peace. I am proud to be a founding member and co-chair of the bipartisan Abraham Accords Caucus. The caucus will further Congress’s work toward ensuring a secure, Jewish and democratic Israel living side by side with a Palestinian state – with peace, security and prosperity for both peoples. I thank @SenatorLankford, @SenJackyRosen, @SenJoniErnst, and @SenBooker and @cathymcmorris, @RepDavidTrone @RepAnnWagner for their partnership in forming this caucus.”

Trone (D-MD-6) 01/10/2022: Retweet of @AJCongress – “We strongly applaud the launch of the bipartisan and bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus. This essential caucus will strengthen the normalization agreements achieved between Israel and multiple Arab states…“

Wagner (R-MO-2) 01/10/2022: Twitter thread – “RELEASE: Wagner, Colleagues Launch Abraham Accords Caucus  — The Abraham Accords Caucus is an incredibly important initiative that will bolster the United States’ commitment to peace in the Middle East. This caucus will build on the achievements of the Abraham Accords and promote stability in the region, counteract destructive regimes, and help maintain robust working relationships between our Israeli and Arab partners.”

Murphy (D-FL-7) 01/11/2022: Tweet – “Proud to join this bipartisan caucus to promote new agreements between Israel and countries in the Arab-Muslim world—building on recent agreements w/ the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, & Sudan. We hope to build on the historic “Abraham accords” to advance peace and prosperity. Link to quoted tweet”

Rodgers (R-WA-5) 01/11/2022: Tweet – “I launched the Abraham Accords Caucus with my colleagues to build on the historic Accords and promote the values of human dignity, freedom, and hope around the globe. I’m excited to work with our partners to build a future of peace in the Middle East.”

Lankford (R-OK) 01/11/2022: Twitter thread – “It was a great day for peace when I joined President Trump at the White House and leaders from Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates more than a year ago as they signed the historic Abraham Accords. I stand with Israel and for lasting peace in the Middle East, alongside my colleagues, as we launch the Abraham Accords Caucus. We will seek peace through expanding and encouraging the Accords and set the example for other nations who desire peace.”

Schneider (D-IL-10) 01/11/2022: Retweet of @Peace_Accords – “Congratulations to the caucus @SenatorLankford @SenBooker, @SenJoniErnst, @SenJackyRosen, @TeamCMR, @RepDavidTrone, @Schneider4IL10, @RepAnnWagner, joining @rutilande, @OfirAkunis in Israel! Link to quoted tweet”

Rice (D-NY-4) 01/14/2022: Tweet – “Proud to join the bipartisan, bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus. Looking forward to supporting and expanding this historic agreement to further peace in the Middle East between our ally Israel and her neighbors…“

Rodgers (R-WA-5) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “The bipartisan, bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus will provide a unique opportunity for world leaders to come together in our common pursuit of creating a better, safer, and more prosperous world for our children and grandchildren…“

 

3.On the Record

Media

Politics/Elections

Jewish Insider 1/14/22: Jewish voters in Detroit gear up for Stevens vs. Levin [“The debate within the Democratic Party over the future of its support of the U.S.-Israel relationship and what it means to be pro-Israel is set to play out in stark fashion in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District this year, with current Reps. Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Andy Levin (D-MI) facing off in a primary in the newly drawn district, where Jewish voters are poised to have significant influence.” and this: “The two candidates’ differing views on Israel and Levin’s close relationships with Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN) are key wedge issues among Jewish voters — although supporters on both sides emphasized that they were also attracted to the candidates’ broader platforms.”]

Jewish Insider 1/14/22: Former Michigan state legislator mounts challenge to Rashida Tlaib [“Jackson, an evangelical Christian, said she has long felt a ‘strong reverence’ for the Jewish state… Beyond the district, Jackson said she has had conversations with pro-Israel advocates in Florida, Georgia and Illinois as she seeks to establish a national support to compete with Tlaib, who, as of September, had raised nearly $1.4 million, according to the latest filings from the Federal Election Commission.”]

Jewish Insider 1/13/22: Pocan pokes Israel — but where are his constituents? [note: This nearly 4500-word (seriously!) article seeks to ferret out existing/potential discontent among Pocan’s constituents, and in particular his Jewish constituents, over his Israel/Palestine policies — and to raise the specter of corresponding elections jeopardy for Pocan. In this effort, the piece buries the lede, to say the least, given that deep in the text one finds nuggets like: “Even voters who were randomly surveyed by JI, on an afternoon early last month in downtown Madison, expressed not only an awareness of Pocan’s approach but support as well,” and an aside noting that the local Jewish community members “at an estimated population of 5,000 or so, only make up a fraction of the district.”]

Algemeiner 1/12/22: Media Ignores Pro-BDS Congresswoman’s Checkered History on Israel (targeting Rep. McCollum, D-MN)

The Intercept 1/10/22: Minnesota Rep. Betty McCollum Is Facing a Serious Primary Challenge From the Left

Mintpress 1/12/22: AIPAC Goes PAC and SuperPAC to Cover its Tracks as it Targets Progressives

 

Media – US Stockpile in Israel; Visa Waiver Program; Targeting the UN; US Court Tosses out Anti-PLO/PA Lawsuit

Breaking Defense 1/14/22: Israel wants US to bolster its weapons stockpile in Israel: Sources [Note: As David Schenker explained in 2014: “When WRSA was created, the stockpile was conceived as weapons systems and ammunition for rapid deployment to American forces in the region, and contained $100 million worth of U.S. military materiel. At Israel’s behest, over the years Congress has significantly plussed-up the program, and successive U.S. administrations have executed the legislative authorization….As funding for the stockpile has increased, the purpose of WRSA has likewise evolved. Today, WRSA-I is intended to meet primarily Israeli, not American, military contingencies.”]

Jewish News Syndicate 1/14/22: Court dismisses lawsuit brought by Ari Fuld’s family against Palestinian organizations

AAIUSA/Jim Zogby 1/10/22: No Visa Waiver for Israel Until Arab American Rights Are Protected [Also note that Americans for Peace now is holding a webinar on this topic on January 18th – details here]

The Hill (authored by people from JINSA) 1/12/22: It’s time for Biden to keep his promises on Israel and the UN [In which JINSA bashes the UN and the UN Human Rights Council, and pushes that Congress to require the Biden admin to “use its seat on the UNHRC to defend the legality of Israeli operations”; in a related matter, on the same day the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) published an article comparing the UN/UNHRC to the Nazis and comparing plans to investigate Israel’s actions against the Palestinians to Hitler’s Final Solution].

Reuters 1/7/22: Anti-terrorism law targeting PLO is unconstitutional, N.Y. judge rules

 

Members of Congress on the Record

Israel – Palestine — Death of 80-yr-old Palestinian American

Baldwin (D-WI) 01/14/2022: Tweet — “This is a horrible tragedy that demands a thorough investigation and I want to extend my condolences to the Assad family, including those in Wisconsin who are mourning this tragic loss and deserve answers.” Linked to article, Palestinian American man, 80, dies after being detained by Israeli forces (NBC News)

Tlaib (D-MI) 1/14/22: Tweet – “Two days ago, Israeli troops stopped a car driven by 80-year-old Palestinian-American Omar Abdulmajeed Asaad. They dragged him from the car, beat him, and left him on the ground to die. This is outrageous! I call on @SecBlinken to investigate.” Linked to article, Elderly Palestinian American Man Found Dead After Being Detained In Israeli Raid  (Huffington Post)

McCollum (D-MN) 1/14/22: Tweet — “This week 80-year old Omar Abdulmajeed Asaad, a Palestinian-American living in the West Bank, was pulled from his car, beaten by Israeli soldiers, and left to die on the side of the road. My condolences to Mr. Asaad’s family. He is now another victim of this cruel occupation.”

Newman (D-IL) 1/14/22: Tweet – “I am deeply disturbed by reports of Israeli troops dragging, beating and leaving an 80-year-old Palestinian-American on the ground, where he later died of a heart attack. I echo the @StateDept in demanding a full investigation into this incident.” Linked to article, Palestinian American man, 80, dies after being detained by Israeli forces (NBC News)

 

Israel – Palestine — General

Omar (D-MN-5) 01/13/2022: Retweet of @DoubleDownNews – “Emma Watson, Desmond Tutu & The Weaponisation of Antisemitism @andrewfeinstein Link to video”

Torres (D-CA-35) 01/13/2022: Retweet of @ElFaroEnglish – “’My first impression was shock,’ said @_elfaro_’s @PetizaGavarrete of the moment she discovered #Pegasus surveillance of her phone. ‘It hit me not only on a professional level, but also emotionally.’ Via @pressfreedom ‘The infections were constant:’ Julia Gavarrete among dozens of Salvadoran journalists targeted with Pegasus spyware – Committee to Protect Journalists”

Cornyn (R-TX) 01/13/2022: Retweet of @hughhewitt – “This AM: TX Sen. @JohnCornyn, Rep. @KenCalvert, @DrMichaelOren from Israel, and former MO Senator @JimTalent. The big story is a combination of two percentages: 7% inflation and stunning 33% approval rating for @JoeBiden as bottom falls out for him and Democrats. That’s free fall”

Long (R-MO-7) 01/12/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “Tel Aviv Then VS. Now #Israel Link to image”

Long (R-MO-7) 01/13/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “God bless Israel’s troops. Link to image”

Long (R-MO-7) 01/13/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “Following the dramatic rise in antisemitism and Holocaust denial, Israel will submit a historic resolution before the UN General Assembly to condemn Holocaust denial and distortion. Link to image”

Sherman (D-CA-30) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “For 100 days Republican Sen. Rand Paul has endangered Israeli civilians by blocking critical funds for the Iron Dome, a purely defensive system that saves countless civilian lives from Hamas rockets. It’s time for Sen. Paul to stop helping Hamas and start defending our ally.”

Rubio (R-FL) 01/09/2022: Tweet – “You don’t get to lecture anyone about anti-semitism if you support,enable or sympathize with -a liberal media that won’t call Hamas terrorists -socialist politicians who want to cut off support for Israel;or -left wing activists who support BDS Marco Rubio accused of anti-Semitism in Jan 6 tweet attacking media… | mol.im”

Lamborn (R-CO-5) 01/09/2022: Tweet – “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you. Psalm 122:6 #ScriptureSunday Link to image”

Long (R-MO-7) 01/09/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “Israel was not created to disappear. Israel will endure and flourish.” (President John F. Kennedy) Via @IsraelCampus Link to image”

Cuellar (D-TX-28) 01/07/2022: Tweet – “Israel’s commitment to research in the life sciences sector has been fundamental to global health—through vaccine development, supply chain management and economic cooperation…I look forward to my continued work and commitment to solutions with @_USIEducation Link to quoted tweet”

Green (R-TN-7) 01/07/2022: Tweet – “It’s time for immediate answers from President Biden on the decision to refuse an expedited delivery of refueling jets to our ally Israel. This cannot stand.  @RepBice, @RepFranklin, @RepLisaMcClain, & @michaelgwaltz. Link to quoted tweet”

Long (R-MO-7) 01/07/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “I am a proud Zionist! Zionism simply means that Jews have the right to return home (to Israel), exist and thrive in their ancestral homeland. If you have a problem with that – you have a problem with Jews. Link to image”

 

Israel – “Faith and Freedom” Coalition

Johnson (R-OH-6) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “I was honored to receive the Friend of the Family Award presented to me by the @FaithandFreedom Coalition. I will always stand up to defend and protect the family, religious liberty and Israel. Link to image”

Kustoff (R-TN-8) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “I was honored to receive the @FaithandFreedom “Friend of the Family Award” this week from Chairman @ralphreed for my strong Conservative voting record in Congress. I will always vote to defend family values, protect religious liberty, and stand with our ally Israel. Link to image”

Budd (R-NC) 1/13/22: press release – Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC) received the Friend of the Family award from the Faith & Freedom Coalition based on his “proven record of protecting innocent life, strengthening American families, defending religious liberty and standing with Israel — key issues for conservative American Christians.”

Carter (R-GA-1) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “Proudly accepted the @FaithandFreedom Coalition’s Friend of the Family Award. This award is given to Members of Congress who defend family, religious liberty, and our allies in Israel. Thank you, Faith and Freedom Coalition, for fighting for our freedoms. Link to image”

Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “Honored to receive the “Friend of the Family Award” in recognition of my continued commitment to upholding pro-life values, defending the family, protecting religious liberty, & standing with our ally, Israel. I thank the @FaithandFreedom Coalition & my friend Dr. @ralphreed. Link to image”

Griffith (R-VA-9) 01/12/2022: Twitter thread – “Today I was the beneficiary of the Friend of the Family award, an achievement the Faith & Freedom Coalition bestows upon lawmakers who demonstrated an exemplary voting record in the 116th Congress and a continued commitment to defending the family, (1/2) protecting religious liberty, and standing with our ally Israel. I am honored to receive this recognition, and I intend to uphold each of these core principles as we prepare for another year of one-party control in Washington D.C. (2/2) Link to image”

Rice (R-SC-7) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “Pleased to accept the Friend of the Family Award from @FaithandFreedom this evening. This award recognizes my voting record of protecting life, strengthening families, defending religious liberty and standing with Israel. You can count on me to defend our conservative values! Link to image”

Rubio (R-FL) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “Senator Rubio was honored to receive the @FaithandFreedom Award for the 116th Congress in recognition of his voting record and continued commitment to defending the family, protecting religious liberty, and standing with #Israel. Link to image”

 

Egypt

Hill (R-AR-2) 01/12/2022: Twitter thread – “The release of Ramy Kamel is welcome, but long overdue. Kamel was unjustifiably detained and imprisoned in Egypt under false terrorism charges. I call on the Egyptian government to continue moving towards religious freedom for all, including Coptic Christians in the nation. My full release: RELEASE: Rep. Hill Statement on the Release of Coptic Rights Activist Ramy Kamel… | hill.house.gov”

Khanna (D-CA-17) 01/12/2022: Retweet of @ElizHagedorn – “‘We welcomed the release this weekend of activists Ramy Kamel and Ramy Shaath from pre-trial detention in #Egypt,’ @StateDeptSpox says. ‘We encourage the government of Egypt to continue additional releases of long-term detainees.’”

Murphy (D-CT) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “I’m glad Egypt finally released a number of political prisoners, but the overall trendlines for human rights in Egypt aren’t getting better. How will we know the scope of Egypt’s human rights record if the government obliterates the human rights NGOs that document it? Link to quoted tweet”

Brown (D-OH) 01/10/2022: Tweet – “Wonderful news – Ramy Shaath is free. My office met several times with his family based near Cincinnati, and I worked with @RepRoKhanna to lead 50+ Congressional colleagues in a letter to President Al-Sisi urging Ramy’s release. Wishing Ramy and his family a happy reunion. Link to quoted tweet”

Khanna (D-CA-17) 01/10/2022: Retweet of @SenSherrodBrown – “Wonderful news – Ramy Shaath is free. My office met several times with his family based near Cincinnati, and I worked with @RepRoKhanna to lead 50+ Congressional colleagues in a letter to President Al-Sisi urging Ramy’s release. Wishing Ramy and his family a happy reunion. Link to quoted tweet”

Khanna (D-CA-17) 01/08/2022: Tweet – “I am elated that today Ramy Shaath has been released from prison in Egypt. Congrats to the thousands of @FreeRamyShaath activists around the world. We will not stop fighting until ALL political prisoners are free!”

Beyer (D-VA-8) 01/08/2022: Tweet – “At last! Human rights activist Ramy Shaath is free today after he was held without trial for two and a half years in Egyptian prisons. Upon his release, Shaath pledged to keep fighting for human rights and the release of political prisoners in Egypt: Link to video”

 

Jordan

Menendez (D-NJ) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “Good to welcome Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs for Jordan @AymanHsafadi to the Capitol today for productive conversation on challenges & opportunities facing the Middle East. A strong US-Jordan partnership remains vital to regional stability & prosperity. Link to image”

Meeks (D-NY-5) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “CM @RepGregoryMeeks: Excellent meeting with #Jordan’s Foreign Minister @AymanHsafadi today affirming the importance of a strong US-Jordanian partnership and discussing a number of issues of regional importance. Link to image”

Menendez (D-NJ) 01/13/2022: Retweet of @JoEmbassyUS – “Minister @AymanHSafadi met @SenatorMenendez, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, & Ranking Member @SenatorRisch to discuss the Jordan-US strategic partnership & regional developments, including the Palestinian issue, a political resolution in Syria, & refugees. Link to image”

Murphy (D-CT) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “Thanks to my good friend @AymanHsafadi for stopping by today to discuss security in the Middle East. Always enjoy his wise counsel. Link to quoted tweet”

 

Syria

DeFazio (D-OR-4) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “The Biden Adm still hasn’t responded to our bipartisan letter on unauthorized US military action in Syria. As @BCFinucane notes, the exec branch “has resorted to creative lawyering” to try to avoid Congress’s constitutional war powers authority. We must stop this endless war NOW. Link to quoted tweet”

DeFazio (D-OR-4) 01/13/2022: Retweet of @BCFinucane – “(1/3) As noted in this @ForeignAffairs piece, Biden admin has not responded to a Nov. bipartisan letter from @RepPeterDeFazio @NancyMace and others asking about legal basis for recent hostilities in Syria, particularly those involving non-ISIS forces. An Unauthorized War… | foreignaffairs.com”

Green (R-TN-7) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “Our enemies are trying to see how far they can push Joe Biden. When will you step up and lead, Mr. President? This is one of several attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syria. Link to quoted tweet”

Mace (R-SC-1) 01/13/2022: Retweet of @BCFinucane – “Biden admin on course to be less transparent about the legal basis for US military operations in Syria than Trump admin. 7 weeks and no response to the bipartisan letter from @RepPeterDeFazio @NancyMace and others posing a number of war powers and AUMF related questions. (1/2) Link to quoted tweet”

Menendez (D-NJ) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “I welcome this critical victory in the fight to ensure that the Assad regime & its officials are held to account for their heinous crimes against the Syrian people. Those inside & outside Syria who have risked everything to document these abuses deserve immense thanks & support. Link to quoted tweet”

Risch (R-ID) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “I welcome today’s conviction of #AnwarRaslan for his role in the systemic torture of #Syrians in #Assad’s prisons. It’s time for the Biden Admin to step up and enforce the #CaesarAct. Accountability is long-overdue and far from finished.”

Sherman (D-CA-30) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “No where in the world are we witnessing hell like in Tigray. Even in Syria we have access during the worst of crisis in Syria. In Yemen the same, we have access” Link to quoted tweet”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “I am pleased the UNSC reauthorized the Bab al-Hawa border crossing for six months. Such access is critical to delivering lifesaving humanitarian aid to the Syrian people. The int’l community must redouble efforts to ensure aid is delivered in a timely and efficient manner”

Kinzinger (R-IL-16) 01/12/2022: Twitter thread – “This is my favorite. In Turkey as we started bombing ISIS in Syria. But since there were Middle East people there, they must be ISIS. So I work for the CIA and funded (with McCain) ISIS. Man these folks are good! Link to quoted tweet   Link to reply @Rick13816069 Greetings comrad! The FSB is working late (or early, not sure the time in Russia right now.)”

Leahy (D-VT) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “Let’s hope the welcome conviction of Colonel Raslan is followed by further arrests and convictions of top Syrian officials responsible for the Assad regime’s horrific crimes against humanity. Live Updates: Verdict Due in Landmark Syrian War Crimes Trial… | nytimes.com”

Boyle (D-PA-2) 01/11/2022: Twitter thread – “This isn’t the end of U.S. efforts to counter the narco state surrounding production of captagon. Reps. Brendan Boyle and French Hill recently introduced a standalone version of the NDAA amendment they championed, and the administration could still act — Who Blocked Action to Fight Assad’s Drug Trade? | National Review –without congressional pressure. The State Department, for instance, could soon roll out some of its own measures to counter the captagon trade.”

DeFazio (D-OR-4) 01/11/2022: Retweet of @QuincyInst – “A bipartisan group of lawmakers has demanded answers re: “the legal basis for recent hostilities in Syria, particularly involving non-ISIS forces. As of early January, @WhiteHouse hadn’t responded.” @RepPeterDeFazio @RepNancyMace @RepBowman @BCFinucane An Unauthorized War… | foreignaffairs.com”

DeFazio (D-OR-4) 01/07/2022: Tweet – “President Biden – Congress and the American people are fed up with endless wars. We need an explanation on what legal basis the US is using force in Syria, if any. This is an ongoing conflict that Congress did not authorize, in clear violation of the Constitution. Link to quoted tweet”

Franklin (R-FL-15) 01/07/2022: Tweet – “.@POTUS, it is unacceptable to conduct talks with Iran while their proxies are attacking our troops. The safety of our people must be the priority. Military Bases Housing U.S. Forces Attacked in Syria and Iraq… | wsj.com”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 01/07/2022: Retweet of @FreeBeacon – “Illicit Iranian oil shipments jumped by 40 percent in 2021, according to figures published by a watchdog group that highlight the Biden administration’s lax enforcement of U.S. sanctions. China and Syria were the top importers. Via @Kredo0 Illegal Iranian Oil Shipments to China Skyrocketed in 2021… | freebeacon.com”

Hagerty (R-TN) 01/07/2022: Tweet – “It’s bad enough Biden is continuing talks to revive Obama’s dangerous Iran nuclear deal. But Biden seeks to resume many tens of billions in sanctions relief even as Iran’s terrorist regime backs proxy attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East. Shameful! Link to quoted tweet”

 

Lebanon

Cruz (R-TX) 01/14/2022: Tweet – “Exceptionally poor advice. Lebanon should absolutely worry about violating US sanctions. So should every other country involved. Congress isn’t going to allow Team Biden to enrich Iran’s proxies, especially not bloody tyrants like Assad. US sanctions will be enforced. Link to quoted tweet”

 

Saudi Arabia

Omar (D-MN-5) 01/13/2022: Retweet of @mehdirhasan – “Tonight, on the @MehdiHasanShow, I asked Senator Chris Murphy, who has led congressional opposition to U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, why he voted to allow a US arms sale to the Saudis to go through last month. Listen to his response: Link to video”

Cornyn (R-TX) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “Cornyn Raises Concern About Lobbyists Being Hired By Foreign Governments… Cornyn Raises Concern About Lobbyists Being Hired By Foreign Governments, From China To Saudi Arabia – YouTube via @YouTube”

Wexton (D-VA-10) 01/11/2022: Tweet – “I’m deeply concerned by reports that Saudi Arabia is preparing to deport two Uyghurs back to China where they are at risk of arbitrary detention and torture. The Saudi government should immediately clarify the status of these detainees. Link to quoted tweet”

Rubio (R-FL) 01/09/2022: Tweet – “Seven years after receiving his first 50 of 1,000 lashes, human rights activist Raif Badawi remains detained in a #Saudi prison. Sen. Rubio continues to call for the Saudi government to end his unjust imprisonment immediately and #FreeRaif.”

 

Bahrain

Cardin (D-MD) 01/14/2022: Tweet – “No individual should be held behind bars for exercising internationally guaranteed rights to free expression and association. Dr. Abduljalil Singace and all other political prisoners in #Bahrain should be immediately and unconditionally freed.”

 

Iran

Banks (R-IN-3) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “Biden’s failure in Afghanistan & friendliness with Iran is pushing the entire region towards China. Weakness has consequences! China’s meetings with Middle East ministers sets the scene for Beijing to step up in region | South China Morning Post”

Banks (R-IN-3) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “.@Twitter, can you clarify why videos made by sanctioned terrorists about murdering former US presidents doesn’t violate your “hateful conduct” policy? I’ve seen Iran’s death threats at Trump on here since Sunday. Link to quoted tweet”. Retweeted by Duncan (R-SC-3)

Banks (R-IN-3) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “Iran’s Supreme Leader threatened to kill a former US president today. But the Biden admin hasn’t said anything about it & is continuing negotiations in Vienna like nothing’s happened. Biden needs to come out publicly & condemn this immediately and end all talks with the regime.Link to quoted tweet” Re-tweeted by Waltz (R-FL-6)

Banks (R-IN-3) 01/13/2022 (On GETTR): “Biden blamed the Afghanistan disaster on Trump. Now he’s blaming Trump for his failing Iran talks… When will the president take responsibility for his own actions? Ahead of Iran deal decision, White House to “focus the fire on Trump” | axios.com”

Burchett (R-TN-2) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “And yet @Twitter keeps it up. Link to quoted tweet”

Ernst (R-IA) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “Iran continues to support terrorists and tries to kill Americans.   It’s a deadly mistake kowtowing to Iran. Multiple rockets target US Embassy in Baghdad… | airforcetimes.com”

Graham (R-SC) 01/13/2022: Twitter thread – “In case you were wondering who we are dealing with when it comes to the Iranians – this video says all you need to know. Iran’s supreme leader shares animated video depicting assassination of Donald Trump… | independent.co.uk I cannot believe a video produced under the authority of the Iranian Ayatollah openly threatening to kill President Trump has gone unanswered by the Biden Administration. This has to be immediately corrected. The proper response, in my view, is to suspend all negotiations with the Iranians over this outrage. If we don’t, the Iranians and everyone else in the region will take this as a tremendous sign of weakness.”

Green (R-TN-7) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “Hosting Iran’s Mohsen Rezaee is an unacceptable move by Nicaragua. Link to quoted tweet”

Long (R-MO-7) 01/13/2022: Retweet of @RNCResearch – “Jen Psaki refuses to condemn a video from Iran’s Supreme Leader that depicts a drone strike killing President Trump. Link to video”

Long (R-MO-7) 01/13/2022: Retweet of @RonnyJacksonTX – “The tyrants in Iran just released a video depicting the assassination of President Trump. How are these people allowed on social media but MTG & President Trump aren’t? Big Tech gives a platform to the WORST human rights abusers. An absolute DISGRACE!”

Menendez (D-NJ) 01/14/2022: Tweet – “Unacceptable. After recent sham elections & the decision to welcome terrorist Mohsen Rezaei to Managua, the Ortega regime’s destabilizing influence in the Western Hemisphere has never been clearer. The Biden admin must intensify efforts to bring Rezaei & accomplices to justice. Link to quoted tweet”

Nehls (R-TX-22) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “The Supreme Leader of Iran still has a Twitter page while his government is threatening a former president. How is this acceptable @TwitterSupport? Link to image   Link to quoted tweet”

Pfluger (R-TX-11) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “This video is egregious. Why hasn’t @Twitter removed the Iranian Supreme Leader’s account? @PressSec sees it only as “offensive.” It’s more than offensive—it is an active death threat that must be taken seriously. @POTUS @SpeakerPelosi @SenSchumer must denounce it immediately. Link to quoted tweet”. Also posted on GETTR

Van Drew (R-NJ-2) 01/14/2022: Retweet of @LibertyIranian – “We applaud Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) for holding the Biden Administration accountable for delaying the DOJ vs Kaveh Afrasiabi trial. We agree, Congressman, the time is now for action and just must be served! Biden Admin Delays Trial of Alleged Iranian Spy for Third Time… | freebeacon.com   Link to image”

Ernst (R-IA) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “Jen Psaki needs to get the facts straight.  Biden should never let the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism get a nuclear weapon. Period. White House focusing blame on ‘reckless’ Trump ahead of Iran nuclear deal decision… | timesofisrael.com”

Banks (R-IN-3) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “Biden blamed the Afghanistan disaster on Trump. Now he’s blaming Trump for his failing Iran talks… When will the president take responsibility for his own actions? Ahead of Iran deal decision, White House to “focus the fire on Trump”… | axios.com”

Cornyn (R-TX) 01/12/2022: Retweet of @OlliHeinonen – “This all without asking Iran to terminate its nuclear and missile cooperation with North Korea? Link to quoted tweet”

Ernst (R-IA) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “The Biden administration must not give into the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism by rejoining the failed Iran Nuclear Deal. Trading Threats, the U.S. and Iran Inch Closer to a Nuclear Pact… | nytimes.com”

Hagerty (R-TN) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “As Iran and Russia continue to bully the Biden Admin, Kim Jong Un probably senses weakness. To negotiate from a position of strength, U.S. should build on Trump Admin’s maximum pressure campaign against DPRK and push China & Russia to implement sanctions. North Korea launches ‘more advanced’ missile after hypersonic test | Reuters”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “It is absolutely unacceptable @Twitter is allowing Iranian officials to tweet death threats at a former U.S. president. This is not free speech. It’s a threat of murder. This is abhorrent and I demand they take these vile posts down and suspend these accounts. Immediately. Link to quoted tweet”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “LR @RepMcCaul: “It is outrageous that a wanted terrorist is freely traveling and has yet to face justice for his role in the #AMIA Jewish center terrorist attack. Nicaragua’s dictatorship is showing the world who they are by hosting this criminal.” Link to quoted tweet”

Murphy (D-FL-7) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “The right to vote is sacred in our country. Holding free and fair elections is what separates us from autocratic countries like Russia, China, and Iran. This should not be a partisan issue. Patriots of all political stripes should unite to defend our democracy. Link to quoted tweet”

Pfluger (R-TX-11) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “It is despicable that @Twitter is allowing the Iranian government to issue active death threats against former President Trump and members of his administration. The tweets must be removed and accounts suspended immediately. CC: @TwitterSupport Twitter Under Fire for Allowing Iranian Threats to Assassinate President Trump | freebeacon.com” (also posted on GETTR)

Schweikert (R-AZ-6) 01/13/2022: Twitter thread – “In May I sent a letter to @POTUS urging him to end talks with Iran about re-entering the JCPOA. Nearly 8 months later the Biden Administration is still engaging with Iran. The U.S. must withdraw from the Vienna talks and put an end to this once and for all.” Link to quoted tweet You can find my letter to @POTUS in the link below. Congressman Schweikert Leads Letter to President Biden Opposing United States Return to the Iran Nuclear Deal… | schweikert.house.gov”

Scott (R-GA-8) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “Under no circumstances should Iran be allowed to have nuclear weapons. My colleagues and I sent a letter to Secretary Blinken, urging him to withdraw from the Vienna talks and enforce strong sanctions against Iran. It’s time this administration stops caving into Iran’s demands. Link to image”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “This is verifiably FALSE. Under the deal, Iran maintained a vast and secret nuclear weapons archive. Continued kidnapping American citizens. Invested millions in terrorist proxies. And forged ahead with its missile development. The deal totally failed to curb Iran’s behavior. Link to quoted tweet”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 01/13/2022: Twitter thread – “Why is @Princeton University in the business of directly advancing the foreign influence operations of a State Sponsor of Terrorism? It is already despicable that @Princeton has maintained its ties to Seyed Hossein Mousavian for so long, a former Iranian regime official. But if it keeps him on as a visiting scholar after his recent comments on Brian Hook, it truly has no shame. Mousavian uses his position at Princeton to spew regime propaganda. Continuing to employ him amounts to an in-kind donation to the regime’s foreign influence operations.”

Steube (R-FL-17) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “.@SecBlinken told me a year ago in a hearing that no sanctions relief would go to Iran until it went back into the failed JCPOA. Why does the Biden Administration continue to purposely mislead Congress and the American people? US grants Iran sanctions exemption to South Korea… | jpost.com”

Rubio (R-FL) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “Argentina’s decision to send a rep. to Ortega’s illegitimate swearing-in is despicable. Even worse, is dictator Ortega hosting Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps Gen Mohsen Rezaei, one of the terrorists wanted by #INTERPOL for the deadly 1994 #AMIA terrorist attack in #Argentina. Link to quoted tweet”

Blackburn (R-TN) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “Russia, China, Iran & North Korea can see how weak the Biden Administration is. They are the new axis of evil and we MUST stand strong against them.”

Blackburn (R-TN) 01/12/2022: Tweet – “The fact that the Biden Administration remains silent while our enemies, like Iran, are sanctioning kill lists, which are full of American citizens, is appalling. This is NOT a party issue. This is an American issue & Joe Biden needs to treat it as such. Morgan Ortagus – Iran is trying to assassinate U.S. officials | Facebook”

Cotton (R-AR) 01/11/2022: Retweet of @FreeBeacon – “.@Twitter is allowing official Iranian government accounts to issue death threats against former president Donald Trump and other Trump administration officials. Lawmakers accuse Twitter of failing to impartially uphold its guidelines. Via @Kredo0 Twitter Under Fire for Allowing Iranian Threats to Assassinate President Trump… | freebeacon.com”

Fallon (R-TX-4) 01/11/2022: Tweet – “Not only is Twitter exclusively censoring conservatives, but now they are letting Iran’s armed forces issue death threats to a former sitting president. Twitter Under Fire for Allowing Iranian Threats to Assassinate President Trump… | freebeacon.com”

Salazar (R-FL-27) 01/11/2022: Tweet – “What an insult to the suffering of the victims of the AMIA terrorist attack and their family members. Tyrannical communists like Ortega truly know no shame. Qué vergüenza. Link to quoted tweet”

Waltz (R-FL-6) 01/11/2022: Tweet – “Yep. Same Wendy Sherman who led the “concession-first” Iran Deal negotiations. Link to quoted tweet”. Retweeted by Fallon (R-TX-4)

Blumenthal (D-CT) 01/10/2022: Tweet – “Today marks 4 years since CT constituent Morad Tahbaz, a groundbreaking conservationist, was wrongfully detained & imprisoned in Iran. Gravely ill with cancer & denied basic human rights & a fair trial, bringing him home is long overdue. #FreeMorad Link to quoted tweet”

Fallon (R-TX-4) 01/05/2022 (on GETTR): “Rules for thee, but not for me. This is unacceptable — Congress deserves to know exactly what this Administration is doing in Iran.”

Franklin (R-FL-15) 01/10/2022: Tweet – “Iran’s illegal oil shipments to China skyrocketed by 40% in 2021 because of @POTUS’s lax enforcement of sanctions. Enforcement is critical to preventing the regime from paying off its terror proxies and engaging in uranium enrichment. Illegal Iranian Oil Shipments to China Skyrocketed in 2021… | freebeacon.com”

Himes (D-CT-4) 01/10/2022: Tweet – “The continued imprisonment of Morad Tahbaz is brutal and inhumane. It is long past time for his release. Link to quoted tweet”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 01/10/2022: Tweet – “LR @RepMcCaul “Iran’s threats against US citizens are absolutely unacceptable. We have a sacred duty to protect our citizens. While I appreciate the Biden Admin’s statement, they must do more to deter threats against all Americans, including the 51 threatened by #Iran this week.””

Van Hollen (D-MD) 01/10/2022: Retweet of @USEnvoyIran – “For 4 years the Iranian government has held Morad Tahbaz – a UK and US citizen – in Evin Prison. Morad is a father, an environmentalist, and a cancer victim. Iran should release him, the Namazis, Emad Shargi, and Morad’s fellow UK citizens immediately. Link to image”

Waltz (R-FL-6) 01/10/2022: Tweet – “As our country faces threats from Afghanistan, Iran, the #CCP, Russia, North Korea, & others, it’s critical we’re always ready. Honored to serve as Ranking Member of the @HASCRepublicans Readiness Subcommittee with oversight of our military’s training, logistics & more. Link to quoted tweet”

Banks (R-IN-3) 01/09/2022: Tweet – “Not a good look ⁦@Princeton⁩! Princeton Faculty Member Brags About Death Threats Against Trump Admin Envoy ⁦@Kredo0⁩ Former Iranian Official Who Works at Princeton Brags About Death Threats Against Trump Admin Official… | freebeacon.com”

Fallon (R-TX-4) 01/10/2022: Tweet – “Once again, I’ve got to ask – why is this Administration still in Vienna making concessions to world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism? Link to quoted tweet”

Fallon (R-TX-4) 01/04/2022 (on GETTR): “This Administration has decided to go back to the negotiating table with the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism. Check out my op-ed explaining why it is imperative that America must operate from a position of strength. It’s time for Iran to concede, not the United States | thehill.com”

Fallon (R-TX-4) 01/05/2022 (on GETTR): “Let me be clear – if this Administration allows Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, it would be globally ????????????.”

Sherman (D-CA-30) 01/09/2022: Tweet – “Iran ‘likely’ smuggling weapons to Yemen: UN report… | google.com”

Gonzales (R-TX-23) 01/09/2022: Retweet of @NikkiHaley – “When you get sanctioned by Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terror, you know you’re doing something right. #BadgeOfHonor”

Gonzales (R-TX-23) 01/09/2022: Tweet – “The Iranian regime hates Americans, not Democrats, not Republicans but Americans. Stay vigilant and if you see something, say something. Iran Revolutionary Guard commander says ‘revenge’ coming for Soleimani strike from ‘within’ US Iran Revolutionary Guards commander says ‘revenge’ coming for Soleimani strike from ‘within’ US… | foxnews.com #FoxNews”

Gosar (R-AZ-4) 01/08/2022: Tweet – “Maybe. Just maybe. Media personalities and talking heads are not “experts.” Competent people don’t get invites on MSNBC etc. Link to quoted tweet”

Fallon (R-TX-4) 01/07/2022: Tweet – “And meanwhile, nuclear talks are continuing in Vienna. President Biden, where are the sanctions? Link to quoted tweet”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 01/07/2022: Tweet – “The Biden strategy of capitulating to religious extremists will fail catastrophically. When will @Rob_Malley’s concessions end? Pretty soon the discussion will focus on HOW MANY nuclear bombs Iran is allowed to have. We need to walk away now and re-impose pressure. Link to quoted tweet”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 01/07/2022: Retweet of @LibertyIranian – “Please join us in thanking @RepTenney for her powerful message to the Biden Administration by liking, commenting & retweeting her tweet: Link to quoted tweet   Link to image”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 01/07/2022: Tweet – “Our friends in South Korea should know better. As the world stands with them against one state sponsor of terror in North Korea, it’s inexcusable for them to turn around & openly court another in #Iran. These funds will fuel terror, repress dissent, & target Americans. #IranTalks Link to quoted tweet”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 01/08/2022: Tweet – “On this day in 2020, the #Iranian regime shot down flight #PS752, killing all 176 on board. Iran stonewalled the investigation & has not taken any real steps to deliver justice to the families impacted. Join me in urging @USEnvoyIran to put this issue on his agenda. #PS752Justice”

Cramer (R-ND) 01/07/2022: Tweet – “Iran is quickly and blatantly marching towards building a nuclear weapon. Not only is the Biden Administration’s flailing domestic agenda hurting everyday Americans, but they are ignoring serious threats to our national security as our adversaries become more dangerous. Link to image”

 

Libya

Plaskett (D-VI-0) 01/12/2022: Retweet of @RepRaskin – “Jim Jordan refusing to cooperate w/Jan. 6 committee? The same Jim Jordan who insisted in the Benghazi probe on our “basic duty” to “tell the people the truth” and who faulted officials for not moving “heaven and earth to rescue our people”? Perplexing.”

 

Iraq

Kinzinger (R-IL-16) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “Aside from the terrible news here, I want to shout out those who make the C-RAM. It’s an amazing defensive weapon. Link to quoted tweet”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 01/14/2022: Tweet – “LR @RepMcCaul “I condemn the attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad, & on the sovereignty of the Iraqi people. US diplomats must be able to serve in peace & safety, & the Govt of Iraq must hold the perpetrators accountable. The US-Iraq relationship is stronger than these attacks.” Link to quoted tweet”

 

Other – Middle East

Gonzales (R-TX-23) 01/13/2022: Tweet – “Terrorist around the world constantly try to kill Americans. Securing our southern border goes well beyond politics.  Link to quoted tweet”

Omar (D-MN-5) 01/09/2022: Retweet of @AymanM – “For 20 years, Muslim-Americans have lived with the fear if they visited the wrong website or liked a controversial social media post they could face terrorism charges. Meanwhile, we’re debating if Americans who attacked Congress and tried to topple our democracy are terrorists?”

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