Produced by the Foundation for Middle East
Peace in cooperation with Americans for Peace Now, where the Legislative Round-Up was
conceived.
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1. Bills, Resolutions, Letters
2. Hearings
3. On the Record
FMEP Events:
1. Bills, Resolutions & Letters
(FY23 STATE & FOREIGN OPS APPROPS BILL – HOUSE) HR XXXX: On 6/22/22, the House Appropriations Committee’s
Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations marked up (video) and approved the initial House draft of the FY23 State and Foreign
Operations Appropriations bill. This is the annual bill that includes funding for countries in
the Middle East, including $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) for Israel, as well as
far-reaching provisions related to the Palestinians. As always, much of the detail of the funding/provisions
is not in the bill itself, but is in the Subcommittee’s Report that will accompany the bill, laying out the
committee’s intent. That Report is expected to be published next week, so look for my detailed analysis of
the Middle East provisions of this legislation in the next Round-Up. In the meantime:
- One scoop-let from the bill text itself: The bill includes a new waiver provision (Sec. 7071) that would
(conditionally & temporarily) enable the US to re-join UNESCO. “Conditionally” because the waiver requires
that the Palestinians are not permitted to join any other UN bodies; “temporarily” because the waiver
automatically expires on 9/30/25 unless extended by Congress. The text of that waiver reads: “SEC .
7071. The President may waive section 414 of Public Law 101–246 and section 410 of Public Law 103–236 with
respect to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization if the President determines and
reports in writing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and
the appropriate congressional committees that to do so would enable the United States to counter Chinese
influence or to promote other national interests of the United States: Provided, That the authority of this
section shall cease to have effect if, after enactment of this Act, the Palestinians obtain the same standing
as member states or full membership as a state in the United Nations or any specialized agency thereof outside
an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians: Provided further, That the authority of this
section shall sunset on September 30, 2025, unless extended in a subsequent Act of Congress.”
- The bill also appears to move some perennial provisions (including provisions related to the UNHRC and
UNRWA) out of bill text and (reportedly) into the Report.
(FY23 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL – HOUSE) HR 7900: On 6/22 the House Armed Services Committee held a marathon
16-hour markup of the FY23 Defense Authorization bill (part 1 video, part 2 video) – with many, many amendments offered, and many amendment adopted
— at the end of which the Committee passed the bill by a vote of 57-1. HR 7900 now moves to the floor for
consideration, in what will be, as always, an amendments-free-for-all (or as I like to call it, an
“amendments-palooza). Stay tuned for full analysis of the base bill/report (which are not yet public) and
full coverage of the amendments madness (bring popcorn!) in an upcoming edition of the Round-Up. Also see:
- With respect to Israel and the Middle East, the key amendment adopted by the Committee was offered by
Panetta (D-CA), who succeeded in getting the DEFEND Act [aiming to establish an integrated regional defense
“architecture” that includes Israel and is aimed at Iran)l added to the bill , as part of an en bloc package of
amendments. NOTE: (1) Panetta’s version of the DEFEND Act is similar but not identical to HR 7987 & S. 4366, (covered previously in the
Round-Up). (2) As noted in last week’s Round-Up, the DEFENSE Act was also reportedly added to the
Senate version of the FY23 NDAA – but that text has not yet been made public.
- From Murphy (D-FL) press release – “The bill also includes the following
Murphy-led provisions…Requires the Department of Defense to prepare a report on the current
capabilities of Iran-backed terrorist organizations and on the impact that easing economic sanctions on
Iran would have on the capabilities of those organizations. This measure was drawn from a bill that Murphy authored with Congressman Ronny Jackson (R-TX).”
- From Jewish Insider: “At the House Armed Services Committee’s Wednesday
markup of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, the committee approved amendments supporting
joint U.S.-Israel post-traumatic stress disorder research, joint military exercises between Israel and U.S. allies and a joint
Middle East air- and missile-defense architecture. Other approved
amendments require the Defense Department to provide further information to Congress on Chinese links to
and support for Iran; Iranian attacks on American personnel; the state of Iran’s nuclear and missile programs; Iranian air and missile threats; U.S.
counter-drone capabilities in the Middle East; and the progress of the U.S.-Israel Operations-Technology
Working Group, authorized in last year’s NDAA. The proposed bill also mandates an annual public DoD
report on Iranian military capabilities. Some lawmakers, including those affiliated with the Republican
Study Committee, are planning to introduce additional Iran-related amendments when the NDAA comes to the
House floor in the coming weeks, an individual familiar with the situation told JI.”
LETTERS
(DON’T DOWNGRADE PENTAGON ENGAGEMENT WITH PALESTINIANS) Meng-Waltz letter to SecDef: On 6/23/22, Reps. Meng (D-NY) and
Waltz (R-FL) led a letter, co-signed by 55 House colleagues, to SecDef Austin urging the Biden
Administration to not downgrade the United States Security Coordinator (USSC) for Israel and the Palestinian
Authority (PA) in Jerusalem below the current level of an officer of 3-star rank, notwithstanding the
“Congressionally-mandated requirement to reduce the number of active duty General Flag Officers by
2023.” This letter comes on the heels of two Senate letters on the same topic last week, an Ossoff-Graham et al letter to SecDef and a Lankford letter to SecDef (both covered in last week’s Round-Up). Also
see: House lawmakers urge administration not to downgrade Israeli-Palestinian security
coordinator (Jewish Insider 6/24/22)
(FBI/STATE MUST INVESTIGATE KILLING OF PAL-AMERICAN JOURNALIST) Van Hollen et al letter to Biden: On 6/23/22, Sen. Van Hollen
(D-MD) led a letter, co-signed by 23 Senate colleagues (all Democrats), calling for the U.S. to be
“directly involved in investigating Ms. Abu Akleh’s death.” The letter notes: “It has now
been over a month since American citizen and journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was shot to death while reporting
on an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin. Since that time, there has been no
significant progress toward the establishment of an independent, thorough, and transparent investigation
into her killing. We believe that, as a leader in the effort to protect the freedom of the press and the
safety of journalists, and given the fact that Ms. Abu Akleh was an American citizen, the U.S. government
has an obligation to ensure that a comprehensive, impartial, and open investigation into her shooting death
is conducted — one in which all parties can have full confidence in the ultimate findings. It is clear
that neither of the parties on the ground trust the other to conduct a credible and independent
investigation. Therefore, at this point, we believe the only way to achieve that goal is for the United
States to be directly involved in investigating Ms. Abu Akleh’s death. Last month, 57 members of the House
of Representatives requested that the State Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) launch an
independent investigation under U.S auspices to determine the truth. We join in that request, which has been
made even more urgent by the new information that has emerged in recent weeks.” Also see:
(NO UPGRADING PALESTINIAN UNIT IN JERUSALEM) Hagerty/Zeldin-led joint statement to Biden Admin: On 6/23/22, Rep.
Zeldin (R-NY) and Sen. Hagerty (R-TN) led a bicameral statement – signed on to by a total of 80 House and
Senate members (all Republicans) “Calling on Biden Administration to Reverse its Plan to Circumvent U.S.
Law and Create an Unofficial U.S. Consulate to the Palestinians in Jerusalem.” The statement accuses the
Biden Administration of opening “what amounts to be a separate U.S. diplomatic office to the Palestinians in
Israel’s capital.” It argues that doing so “is wholly inconsistent with the Jerusalem
Embassy Act of 1995 that Congress passed into law and has repeatedly reaffirmed with overwhelming bipartisan
support over the years” and that it “undermines our nation’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
and signals support for dividing Jerusalem.” The letter goes on to directly threaten the Biden
Administration: “As sponsors of the Upholding the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Law Act of 2021 to
withhold funding for a U.S. consulate to the Palestinians in Israel’s capital, we unequivocally oppose the
Biden Administration’s decision and will use every tool at our disposal to stop it in the 117th Congress and
afterwards.” Also see:
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Media: Republicans slam Biden administration for upgrading Palestinian Affairs
Unit (Jewish Insider 6/23/22); GOP Senators, Representatives Slam Biden Plan to Upgrade Jerusalem Embassy’s
Palestinian Affairs Unit to ‘Unofficial Consulate’ (Jewish Press 6/23/22)
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Member statements/tweets: Cramer (R-ND), Barr (R-AZ), Kennedy (R-LA), Bilirakis (R-FL), Lamborn (R-CO), Kennedy (R-LA), Scott (R-SC), Rubio (R-FL), Lankford (R-OK), Hoeven (R-ND), Grassley (R-IA), Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Rubio (R-FL), Steel (R-CA-48)
(SUPPORTING “SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST” – AKA, LET’S DO MORE TO STRENGTHEN
THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS) Rosen et al letter to Blinken: On 6/22, Sens. Rosen (D-NV),
Ernst (R-IA), and Booker (D-NJ), sent a letter to SecState Blinken “to express support for the United
Arab Emirates, Israel, and Jordan’s Prosperity Green and Prosperity Blue projects, and to seek an update
from you on their progress. This two-pronged initiative is a crucial first step in support of both newfound
regional partnerships and a future of sustainable development in the Middle East.” The
letter goes on to state: “This project is an opportunity for all countries involved to bolster
the use of innovative energy technologies and to counter water scarcity in the region. It will also foster
economic, diplomatic, and technological coordination between the three countries, building on the Abraham
Accords and the Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty.” Also see: Rosen press release.
(FED LAW ENFORCEMENT MUST INVESTIGATE “MAPPING” PROJECT) Gottheimer/Bacon-led letter to FBI & Depts of Justice & Homeland
Security: On 6/21/22, Reps. Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Bacon (R-NE) led a letter, signed by a total
of 37 House members (bipartisan) to Attorney General Garland, Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas, and FBI
Director Wray. The letter states: “As you are no doubt aware, on June 3, 2022 an Eastern Massachusetts
organization associated with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement published the Mapping
Project. We fear that this map may be used as a roadmap for violent attacks by supporters of the BDS
movement against the people and entities listed therein. We ask that you investigate the use of the Mapping
Project by extremist organizations, provide any necessary enhanced security for targets listed in the
Project, and work with social media companies and internet service providers to prevent its further
distribution…We ask that you work with state and local law enforcement to apprehend any FTOs, HVEs, or DVEs
that you determine are planning to use this map as a roadmap to domestic terror or violence.”
Notably, with respect to the claim that the project is “associated with the Boycott, Divestment, and
Sanctions (BDS) movement“, see:Palestinian BDS National Committee Has No Connection To and Does Not Endorse The
Mapping Project (BDS National Committee 6/22/22); The Mapping Project is not antisemitic but it is destructive activism
(Mondoweiss 6/21/22). Also see:
2. Hearings
June 22, 2022: The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Middle East, North
Africa, and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled, “Examining the U.S. Interest in Regional Security Cooperation in the Middle East
and North Africa: Opportunities, Obstacles, and Objectives.” Witnesses were: Assistant
Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf (statement); and Acting Assistant USAID Administrator for the Middle East
Andrew Plitt (statement). Also see:
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Hearing video
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Q&A highlights: A/S/ Leaf did an extraordinarily weak job explaining (let
alone defending) the Biden Administration’s support for Palestinians and for UNRWA (and that is putting it
very, very kindly). See for yourself — watch her exchange with Mast (R-FL) starting at 56:00, and see her
exchange with Sherman (D-CA) starting at 59:30.
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Notable quote: If a critic of Israel dares to suggest that even $1 in Israel
aid might be better spent on U.S. needs at home, they are labeled an antisemite. If a GOP hardliner says
basically the same thing, but in the context of criticizing Israel-supported $ for Palestinians? Crickets,
as witnessed in this hearing from Mast (R-FL), who among other things told Leaf: “Israelis can want us
to send money to Palestinians all they want, but that doesn’t mean we have to and that money wouldn’t be
better spent on our border ” [this comes on the heels of Roy (R-TX) saying the US golfers who participated in a Saudi-sponsored
league sold “their professional soul to a Saudi Arabian league for their shekels” and
“they stab the tour in the back to go chase their 30 shekels“. Response to that from the
self-appointment antisemitic trope police? Crickets.
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Media: Leaf hints at Abraham Accords expansion surrounding Biden’s Israel, Saudi
Arabia trip (Jewish Insider 6/23/22); US official hints at progress between Israel and Arab states during Biden
trip (Middle East Eye 6/22/22)
3. On the Record
Media – General
Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) 6/22/22: Congress should reclaim its say on Iran policy
Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) 6/21/22: Congress Should Help End UN’s Latest Anti-Israel Waste of Funds
Jerusalem Post 6/20/22: 32 senators urge the Biden admin. not to downgrade USSC for Israel, PA
The Hill 6/19/22: Lawmakers say new Iran nuclear deal unlikely
Media & Members – Elections
General
Twitter thread from NYT’s Shane Goldmacher 6/20/22: “NEW: Republican
billionaires Paul Singer and Bernie Marcus each gave $1 million to the United Democracy Project in May as
the new AIPAC-affiliated super PAC has intervened in Democratic primaries in NC, PA, TX, MD, and CA. This is
per new monthly UDP filing with the FEC.” Also see: FEC data on UDP funding.
Jewish Insider 6/20/22: A Jewish Coloradan hopes to beat Boebert in November
Jewish Insider 6/20/22: Lawmakers urge Defense Department against downgrading Israel-Palestinian security
post
Jewish News Syndicate 6/19/22: Congress must defund the UN’s poisoned Pillay report
Maryland
Anti-Israel votes haunt ex-Rep. Donna Edwards in Democratic primary comeback
bid (Washington Examiner 6/20/22)
Nancy Pelosi Rebukes AIPAC Ads Against Donna Edwards (The Intercept 6/17/22)
Donna Edwards gets help from Pelosi to swat at attack ad tied to AIPAC
(Washington Post 6/17/22)
J Street Calls on Glenn Ivey to Reject Misleading Ads from Republican-aligned
Group (J Street 6/17/22)
Pelosi (D-CA-12) 06/17/2022: Retweet of @JoelMartinRubin – “These ads
attacking @DonnaFEdwards are not just offensive but also ignorant of her views. Middle East peace advocates
are not threats to Israel. They are allies. True friends of Israel know that peace is in Israel’s national
security interest. @TeamPelosi Link to quoted tweet”
Michigan
The New Arab 6/21/22: Democratic PAC seeks to unseat Rashida Tlaib
Illinois
Newman (D-IL-3) 06/18/2022: Retweet of @rk70534 – “@dylanotes
@PointsNorthe One has to wonder sometimes if some orgs like AIPAC and Democratic Majority for Israel are not
(only) attacking progressives for criticizing Israel, but are using Israel-issue to attack progressives
while motivated (also) by opposition to domestic policies. Which is the fig leaf?”
Newman (D-IL-3) 06/18/2022: Retweet of @rpyers – “Mainstream Democrats, an
independent expenditure committee that spent to boost Henry Cuellar and Kurt Schrader and to oppose Nina
Turner, got $500,000 each from Democratic Majority For Israel and from Democratic megadonor Deborah Simon
last month Link to image Link to quoted tweet”
Newman (D-IL-3) 06/19/2022: Tweet – “Their partner, dark money Super PAC,
DMFI is dead set on tearing down progressives- the 6th progressive they have spent millions on and the third
woman of color. If you have to manufacture lies and likely much worse to tear down a progressive, perhaps
some reflection is due Link to quoted tweet”
Texas
Newman (D-IL-3) 06/21/2022: Tweet – “@JCisnerosTX You are amazing and have
a huge future ahead of you! Dark money super PACs, like DMFI and UDP will not win in the future. Sunshine is
the best disinfectant!Thank you for a heroic and outstanding run. We will see more of you I’m sure! Link to quoted tweet”
New York
The Forward 6/22/22: The Jewish case for reelecting Jerry Nadler has little to do with him
The New York Times 6/22/22: Could New York City Lose Its Last Remaining Jewish Congressman?
Wisconsin
Jewish Insider 6/24/22: Mandela Barnes clarifies views on aid to Israel in JDCA Senate candidate forum
Members on the Record
Israel – Palestine
Bacon (R-NE-2) 06/24/2022: Retweet of @orlyusa – “He is coming to Israel
with AIPAC give him respect. Israel is honored to welcome one of the greatest US Veterans and outstanding
Congressman. Link to quoted tweet”
Bennet (D-CO) 06/23/2022: Twitter thread – “The death of the American
journalist Shireen Abu Akleh is tragic and reprehensible. Freedom of the press demands safety for the press
and journalists who put their lives at risk to report dangerous stories. I urge the Biden Administration to
devote the full resources of our government to ensure a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances
of Ms. Akleh’s death and provide answers that her family, and the American people, deserve.”
Tlaib (D-MI-13) 06/23/2022: Twitter thread – “This is how we do our job to
protect ALL Americans. CNN and NYT have confirmed Shireen was killed by the IDF. Now let’s see if @POTUS
will investigate the killing of an American and a journalist. Link to quoted tweet What @POTUS said at WHCD: “We honor journalists killed,
missing, imprisoned, detained, and tortured; covering war, exposing corruption, and holding leaders
accountable. The free press is not the enemy of the people — far from it. At your best, you’re
guardians of the truth.””
Ossoff (D-GA) 06/23/2022: Press release – READOUT: Sen. Ossoff Call with
Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh [“…Sen. Ossoff also raised the killing of Shireen
Abu Akleh, an American journalist shot to death while reporting in the West Bank last month. Sen. Ossoff
requested information regarding the Palestinian Authority’s efforts to investigate Ms. Akleh’s death and
reiterated his desire that all parties ensure a full, transparent, and unbiased investigation is
completed.”]
Cicilline (D-RI-1) 06/21/2022: Tweet – “The Mapping Project is blatant,
and dangerous, antisemitism – placing a target on Jewish organizations at a time when antisemitism is at an
all time high. This map needs to be taken down. ‘A Jewish hit list’: Antisemitic mapping project seen as incitement to violence in
Massachusetts – The Boston Globe”
Ernst (R-IA) 06/21/2022: Tweet – “@jinsadc shares our vision of developing
a strong partnership in the Middle East. I appreciate their support for the DEFEND Act! Link to image”
Ernst (R-IA) 06/22/2022: Tweet – “TODAY I’m going LIVE on Instagram with
@rolltidebmz from @CUFI Action to discuss Israel & the future of peace in the Middle East. Be sure to
tune in! Link to image”. Also – Ernst (R-IA) 06/22/2022: Tweet – “HAPPENING NOW — Tune in! Link to quoted tweet”
Pocan (D-WI-2) 06/21/2022: In reply to Tweet – “@JoshuaShemtov @CoriBush @AOC @RepRashida @repmarkpocan Sorry
Joshie. I’m not an ally. (Stands with husband) Human rights are human rights, including Palestinians.”
Pocan (D-WI-2) 06/22/2022: In reply to Tweet – “@JoshuaShemtov @VictoryFund Saying you can be for both. Sorry if
you choose to ignore other human rights. Link to reply @JoshuaShemtov @VictoryFund Raised it as recent as earlier this
month in a news article. But facts sometimes get in the way of a good story, right? Link to reply @JoshuaShemtov @VictoryFund @StateDeptSpox Just uninformed
criticism is, well, uninformed. Link to reply @JoshuaShemtov @VictoryFund @StateDeptSpox Agree. And let’s hope
for marriage equality in Israel as well.”
Rosen (D-NV) 06/22/2022: Tweet – “I recently joined my colleagues in a
bipartisan push to protect a key U.S. military and diplomatic post based in Jerusalem. A downgrade to this
post would weaken U.S.-led efforts to maintain security and stability in Israel and the West Bank. 32 senators urge the Biden admin. not to downgrade USSC for Israel, PA… |
jpost.com”
Weber (R-TX-14) 06/21/2022: In reply to Tweet – “@IDF Thus the U.S.’s continued support for our great ally &
friend, Israel. And thanks to the IDF for it’s incredible strength, determination, bravery &
perseverance!”
Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) 06/20/2022: Retweet of @nytimes – “A New York
Times investigation found that the bullet that killed Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian American journalist,
was fired from the approximate location of an Israeli military convoy — most likely by a soldier from an
elite unit. The Killing of Shireen Abu Akleh: Tracing a Bullet to an Israeli Convoy… |
nyti.ms”
Omar (D-MN-5) 06/20/2022: Tweet – “Since the @StateDept won’t do their own
independent investigation. American media has, from the Associated Press, CNN, The Washington Post, and now
The NYTimes, and they concluded that Israel is responsible for the death of journalist. @ABlinken how does
Shireen get justice? Link to quoted tweet”
Castro (D-TX-20) 06/20/2022: Retweet of @trbrtc – “The bullet that killed
Shireen Abu Akleh came from the approx. position of an Israel military vehicle — most likely fired by a
soldier from an elite unit. It was one of 16 bullets fired into the direction of 5 clearly marked
journalists. Our investigation: The Killing of Shireen Abu Akleh: Tracing a Bullet to an Israeli Convoy… |
nytimes.com”
Kustoff (R-TN-8) 06/19/2022: Tweet – “Thanks to @AIPAC National Council
Members Jason Reitberger & Larry Hyatt, as well as AIPAC SE Political Director Darren Kendall, for
visiting with me. We discussed how the U.S. must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our greatest
friend & ally in the Middle East, Israel. Link to image”
Weber (R-TX-14) 06/20/2022: “@IDF Nice work!” [replying to @IDF
Tweet – – “As part of our efforts to target Hamas strongholds in
Judea and Samaria, we apprehended 4 Hamas terrorist suspects in Hebron last night. In addition, during
counterterrorism activity in the Qalandiya Camp, these 2 illegal weapons and grenades were
confiscated”]
Kennedy (R-LA) 6/20/22: press release – Kennedy, bipartisan group call for
ongoing U.S. leadership in Israel and West Bank
Cortez Masto (D-NV) 06/18/2022: Tweet – “Proud to join a bipartisan group
of my colleagues urging @SecDef to uphold our commitment to peace and stability in Israel and the West Bank.
Link to quoted tweet”
Meng (D-NY-6) 06/18/2022: Tweet – “The BDS movement’s “mapping project” is
a hateful effort to target Jews and Jewish institutions, and must be met with the strongest condemnation.
There is no excuse for trafficking in such antisemitic rhetoric. BDS map ties police, media to Boston Jewish, ‘Zionist’ institutions… |
bit.ly”
Moulton (D-MA-6) 06/17/2022: Tweet – “Thank you to @AmbHerzog for the
visit and the productive discussion! Link to quoted tweet”
Ossoff (D-GA) 06/17/2022: Tweet – “Sen. @ossoff is leading a bipartisan
push by over 30 Senators to sustain high-level U.S. engagement for peace and stability in Israel and the
West Bank. Sens. Ossoff & Graham Lead Bipartisan Push to Sustain High-Level U.S.
Engagement for Peace and Stability in Israel & the West – U.S. Senator for Georgia Jon Ossoff”
Weber (R-TX-14) 06/17/2022: Retweet of @IDF – “For civilians in Israel,
air-raid sirens mean that terrorists have fired a deadly rocket toward them. Over 100,000 people in the city
of Ashkelon heard this siren tonight. They had just 30 seconds to run for safety. We will defend them.”
Syria
Inhofe (R-OK) 06/24/2022: Tweet – “NEWS: @SASCGOP Ranking Member
@JimInhofe condemns the reported release of Guantanamo Bay detainee Assadullah Haroon Gul to the Taliban.
Read his statement here U.S. Senator for Oklahoma… | inhofe.senate.gov”
Risch (R-ID) 06/23/2022: Tweet – “As we see in #Ukraine, #Ethiopia, and
#Syria, conflict is a major driver of #foodinsecurity. Our resolution condemns the use of hunger as a weapon
of war and calls upon the U.S. gov’t and our partners to respond quickly and hold perpetrators accountable.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Passes Bipartisan Resolution Condemning
Starvation as a Weapon of War | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations”
Risch (R-ID) 06/21/2022: Tweet – “I’m disappointed in #Bahrain’s decision
to upgrade its diplomatic presence in #Syria. Any effort to normalize relations with the murderous dictator
Bashar al-#Assad and bring him back into the international fold will have consequences. #Caesar Syrian leader receives credentials from Bahrain ambassador… | apnews.com”
Menendez (D-NJ) 06/20/2022: Tweet – “This #WorldRefugeeDay we recognize
the wrenching struggle of the more than 100m people fleeing conflict, persecution, & torture worldwide.
In their brave pursuit of protection & freedom, refugees, asylum seekers & displaced persons deserve
nothing less than our full support. Link to quoted tweet”
Iran
Newhouse (R-WA-4) 06/23/2022: Twitter thread – “China, Russia, Iran, and
North Korea are not our allies, and it is imperative that we do not allow these adversaries to gain a
foothold on American soil. Today I introduced an amendment to prohibit these countries from purchasing U.S.
agricultural land. Rep. Newhouse Introduces Amendment to Block Foreign Adversaries from Purchasing
U.S. Farmland… | youtu.be Ensuring our adversaries cannot control our domestic agriculture and food
supply is a matter of national security, and I’m pleased to report that this amendment was unanimously
accepted. Read more Newhouse Protects U.S. Food Supply From Foreign Adversaries… |
newhouse.house.gov”
Wicker (R-MS) 06/23/2022: Tweet – “It should be no surprise that Iran has
taken to harassing American ships on the high seas as it sprints toward procuring a nuclear weapon. Their
dangerous and provocative actions should not be rewarded. U.S., Iran in tense sea encounter; Tehran prepares enrichment escalation |
nbcnews.com”
Long (R-MO-7) 06/21/2022: Tweet – “@JoeBiden will rival the success of his
#AfghanistanWithdraw with his #NuclearDeal with #Iran. He continues to negotiate a deal despite @iaeaorg
reports that show uranium traces at sites Iran did not disclose. Iran currently enriches uranium at 60% (90%
is required for a weapon).”
Long (R-MO-7) 06/21/2022: Retweet of @BreitbartNews – “A U.S. Navy warship
fired a warning flare to repel an Iranian Revolutionary Guard speedboat during a tense encounter in the
Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Navy Warship Clashes with Iran Speedboats in Strait of Hormuz |
trib.al”
Reschenthaler (R-PA-14) 06/21/2022: Tweet – “Mean tweets > Terrorists
with a nuke Iran Escalates Enrichment At Underground Nuclear Facility, Now Has Enough Material
For Weapon: Reports | The Daily Wire”
Long (R-MO-7) 06/21/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “Iran claims it
arrested an espionage cell working for the Mossad and was under surveillance for 8 months in Sistan and
Baluchestan Province. I think it’s an Iranian attempt to improve the regime’s image since the assassinations
were happening under their nose.”
Blackburn (R-TN) 06/21/2022: Tweet – “New documents show the U.S. Army is
teaching West Point cadets CRT and addressing “whiteness.” Indoctrinating our military distracts from making
certain we can effectively combat Communist China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.”
Waltz (R-FL-6) 06/21/2022: Tweet – “It’s unAmerican to abandon our allies
in the face of terror. But that’s what Biden did. Now, ISIS & al-Qaeda fully intend to attack us AND
Putin, Xi, & Iran are on the march. Our country is in danger. Watch my interview with @GovMikeHuckabee
for more 2-Step Plan: FIRE Pelosi & INVESTIGATE Biden! | Fmr Green Beret Rep. Mike
Waltz | Huckabee – YouTube”
Bacon (R-NE-2) 06/17/2022: Tweet – “My heart goes out to the people of
Iran, who are bravely protesting against a regime that holds no regard for it’s own people. In the last
month of nationwide protests, more Iranians have been executed than any month in the last 5 years. Iran rounds up teachers as protests gain momentum… | bit.ly”
Malliotakis (R-NY-11) 06/17/2022: Tweet – “At a time when our nation faces
threats from Russia, China and Iran and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin & the Defense Intelligence
Agency have warned al-Qaeda is re-emerging, this administration continues to play games with our national
security. Border Patrol nabs 15 people on terror watch list in record-breaking…… |
nypost.com”
Saudi Arabia (energy policy)
Mullin (R-OK-2) 06/22/2022: Tweet – “President Biden is traveling to Saudi
Arabia next month to beg our adversaries for more oil, but won’t sit down with our domestic producers at the
White House tomorrow. @POTUS continues to prioritize his Green New Deal agenda over the American
people.”
Nehls (R-TX-22) 06/22/2022: Tweet – “All of America’s energy needs can be
filled right here at home. So why is Biden turning to Venezuela and Saudi Arabia?”
Stewart (R-UT-2) 06/21/2022: Tweet – “President Biden’s trip to Saudi
Arabia makes strategic and economic sense. But it would be a lot less embarrassing if he had been more
realistic about the world from day one. He needs to stop bowing to the far left and start appreciating the
geopolitical need for Arab partners. Link to video”
Stewart (R-UT-2) 06/22/2022: Tweet – “American oil is cleaner. More
reliable. And more affordable. Saudi Arabia is a key partner in the Middle East. But there’s no reason to go
hat in hand begging for energy that we have right here at home. Link to video”
LaTurner (R-KS-2) 06/21/2022: Tweet – “President Biden is begging Saudi
Arabia to produce more oil instead of turning to energy companies right here in America. American energy is
cleaner, more reliable, and will bring down costs for Kansans. It’s time to prioritize American energy
independence once again.”
Waltz (R-FL-6) 06/20/2022: Tweet – “President Biden has boxed himself in
with his asinine energy policy. Now, he has to go to Saudi Arabia to get them to pump more oil & gas.
All he has to do is take on the Progressives back at home and start pumping cleaner American oil and gas! My
take Link to video”
Waltz (R-FL-6) 06/20/2022: Retweet of @FoxNews – “Biden would rather beg
Saudis to pump more oil than take on progressives: @michaelgwaltz Biden would rather beg Saudis to pump more oil than take on progressives: GOP
congressman… | fxn.ws”
Cruz (R-TX) 06/17/2022: Tweet – Link to quoted tweet – “No. The truth: 1. President Biden came into office
calling MBS a ‘pariah.’ 2. MBS didn’t like this. 3. Biden suffered domestic political pain driven, in part,
by energy inflation. 4. Biden officials privately sucked up to MBS & the president changed his
tune.”
Duncan (R-SC-3) 06/17/2022: Retweet of @GOPLeader – “A 12-hour, non-stop
international flight. That’s how far President Biden would rather travel to plead for Saudi Arabian oil
rather than simply issue more drilling permits to producers here at home. American oil is cleaner. More
reliable. And more affordable. Put America FIRST!”
Fallon (R-TX-4) 06/17/2022: Tweet – “Instead of unleashing American energy
DOMINANCE — Joe Biden is going to Saudi Arabia to beg them to produce more oil.”
Hagerty (R-TN) 06/17/2022: Tweet – “Despite Biden’s insult that Saudi
Arabia has “very little social redeeming value,” I believe it can be a very critical partner in the Middle
East. Yesterday, I questioned Biden’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia on the Admin’s policy
ahead of Biden’s planned visit. Link to video”
Roy (R-TX-21) 06/17/2022: Retweet of @dcexaminer – “Texas @RepChipRoy
slammed PGA Tour defectors who have decided to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, arguing the players are
“basically whores and has-beens.” ‘Whores and has-beens’: GOP Rep. Chip Roy blasts golfers in Saudi-backed event… |
washex.am”
Smith (R-NE-3) 06/17/2022: Retweet of @GOPLeader – “A 12-hour, non-stop
international flight. That’s how far President Biden would rather travel to plead for Saudi Arabian oil
rather than simply issue more drilling permits to producers here at home. American oil is cleaner. More
reliable. And more affordable. Put America FIRST!”
Weber (R-TX-14) 06/17/2022: Retweet of @GOPLeader – “A 12-hour, non-stop
international flight. That’s how far President Biden would rather travel to plead for Saudi Arabian oil
rather than simply issue more drilling permits to producers here at home. American oil is cleaner. More
reliable. And more affordable. Put America FIRST!”
Saudi Arabia (Yemen, human rights, etc)
Mace (R-SC-1) 06/22/2022: Retweet of @NicholsUprising – “SC Republican
@NancyMace has emerged as a key congressional supporter of invoking the 1973 War Powers Resolution to demand
that the Biden administration end US military participation in the Yemen war. Mace is working across lines
of partisanship and ideology to end an awful war.”
DeFazio (D-OR-4) 06/21/2022: Tweet – “My colleague @RepJayapal and I
issued the following statement regarding President Biden’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia: Link to image”
Jayapal (D-WA-7) 06/21/2022: Retweet of @RepPeterDeFazio – “My colleague
@RepJayapal and I issued the following statement regarding President Biden’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia:
Link to image”
Khanna (D-CA-17) 06/21/2022: Twitter thread – “This report from the
GAO—which I secured in the FY21 NDAA—underscores that DoD and State Department have failed to properly track
civilian deaths in the Yemen war. Link to PDF | gao.gov It’s more urgent than ever for a reset in our
relationship with the Saudi dictatorship orchestrating so much of this carnage. Thanks to @FCNL’s
@HassanElTayyab + prev & current experts @WinWithoutWar incl @KateKizer @enfein @epeikenberry &
@HASCDemocrats @HouseForeign for their work getting the most comprehensive official public report to date on
the Yemen war and U.S. military support to the Saudis.”
Waltz (R-FL-6) 06/20/2022: Tweet – “It’s pretty ironic to hear the Left
upset about Biden meeting with Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Meanwhile, we’ve heard no outrage over the
Biden Admin meeting with members of the #CCP who are actively committing genocide. Link to video”
Khanna (D-CA-17) 06/18/2022: Tweet – “Let’s be clear, it’s not just that
MBS hacked and killed a US-based journalist. MBS has been responsible for the bombing of thousands of
civilians in Yemen: one of the greatest humanitarian crises in the world. Link to video”
Greene (R-GA-14) 06/17/2022: Twitter thread – “If we really care about the
1st Amendment then we should care about Julian Assange. Freedom of Press is the protection of the ability to
expose the truth and publish it. This should always be protected and this freedom should always be handled
with the most respect. 1/3 Link to quoted tweet If they are upset over the Khashoggi killing then they
should be upset over Julian Assange. Is the American press afraid to speak out against the U.S. extradition
of Julian Assange? Is it because it’s not another government prosecution or attack on a journalist but yet
our own? Link to quoted tweet The ruling regime in America persecutes their enemies in
order to strike fear in anyone who dares to expose the corruption and stand up against it. What happens when
everyone becomes too afraid to tell the truth & publish it? Silence will protect evil. Julian Assange’s extradition to US approved by UK government… |
amp.cnn.com”
Jayapal (D-WA-7) 06/17/2022: Retweet of @USProgressives – “NEW from
@RepJayapal, @RepPeterDeFazio: “We share the concerns of congressional colleagues who’ve expressed grave
misgivings regarding the President’s planned meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman & a
‘reset’…after promising to treat the regime as a ‘pariah.'” More Link to image”
Khanna (D-CA-17) 06/17/2022: Tweet – “Let’s be clear: The US can ground
the Saudi air force to a halt if we stop providing them with spare parts for their planes. We have an
enormous amount of leverage and they should know that. ‘Nobody Wants to See This War End’… | politico.com”
Newman (D-IL-3) 06/17/2022: Twitter thread – “We’ve had a busy week!
Here’s a roundup …Co-sponsored a bipartisan resolution to invoke constitutional war powers to end US
military involvement in Saudi Arabia’s brutal war in Yemen…”
Pelosi (D-CA-12) 06/17/2022: Twitter thread – “Honored to meet with my
constituent @AreejASadhan, whose brother Abdulrahman Al Sadhan was sentenced to 20 years in prison by Saudi
Arabian for anonymous, satirical tweets. His family has been denied contact and fear he has been tortured.
Link to image Congress will continue to shine a light on his case and advocate
for freedom of expression and for human rights in Saudi Arabia and around the world.”
Turkey
Malliotakis (R-NY-11) 06/23/2022: Tweet – “Nicole was happy to join
@EnesFreedom & @nccadvocacy this afternoon to discuss steps Congress can take to support freedom and
human rights in oppressive nations like Turkey, Cuba, China. Link to image”
Malliotakis (R-NY-11) 06/23/2022: Tweet – “So nice to have our friend
@EnesFreedom in Washington today as he continues to be a champion for the oppressed around the world and an
outspoken critic of human rights violators such as Cuba, China & Turkey. Link to image”
Cramer (R-ND) 06/22/2022: Tweet – “It was great to see Turkish-American
NBA star and freedom advocate @EnesFreedom. We continued our many conversations about the beauty of freedom!
I look forward to working with you to stand up for human rights. Link to image”
Pallone (D-NJ-6) 06/20/2022: Tweet – “Turkey needs to drop its opposition
to Finland and Sweden’s NATO bids. Their entry has broad support across the alliance and is only being held
up by Erdogan’s unrealistic demands. Link to quoted tweet”
Warner (D-VA) 06/18/2022: Tweet – “Honored to spend the weekend abroad
talking with international leaders as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation. Our allies in Europe
are more important now than ever, and I’m working to further strengthen these relationships.” Link to quoted tweet – “An excellent discussion on topics from NATO and Turkey
to technology and trade with members of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Thank you,
Senators @MarkWarner, @SenatorBurr, @RoyBlunt and @AngusforMaine!”