Legislative Round-Up: December 17, 2021

by APN 12/17/21
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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. Islamophobia (with Israel as the hook) in the House Debate Around Anti-Islamophobia Bill 3. Gosar Targets Muslim Equities in Jerusalem; Colleagues Stay Silent 4. $1 Billion for Israel/Iron Dome Blocked AGAIN, but It's Still Just Rand Paul, So No Big Deal 5. On the Record 

1. Bills, Resolutions & Letters

(FY22 NDAA) S.1605: This week the Senate finally passed the FY22 NDAA, on the heels of the House passing the consensus version of the bill 12/7 (by a vote of 363-70).  On 12/14, the Senate voted to end debate on S. 1605 and move to a final vote (aka, cloture), by a vote of 86-13. On 12/15, the Senate passed S. 1605 – without any substantive amendments – by a vote of 88-11. Also see:

  • Among other things, the final bill includes authorization of $500 million in funding for Israel, comprised of $200 million in procurements ($108 million for Iron Dome, up to $30 million for David’s Sling, and up to $62 million for the Arrow 3 Upper Tier Interceptor – Sec. 1669) and $300 million for “US-Israel Cooperative Programs” under the category of “Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation”. It also includes authorization for an additional $30 million (at least) over 5 years ​​to fund US-Israel cybersecurity cooperation. REMINDER: this funding is in addition to the regular $530 million in authorized funding for Israel in the annual State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill.
  • For full details of Middle East-related provisions in the consensus version of the FY22 NDAA, as well as for background on the FY22 NDAA drama in general, see the 12/10/21 edition of the Round-Up (and prior issues).
  • Press releases/Tweets highlighting Israel/Middle East-related provisions: Young (R-IN);
  • FDD celebrating a provision in the NDAA related to the U.S.-Israel Operations-Technology Working Group and appearing to be offering the Biden Administration instructions about congressional intent/expectation (see previous Round-Ups for details on the provision).
  • For NDAA-related tweets/statements from members of Congress, see Section 4, below.
  • Times of Israel 12/16: US Senate sends Biden defense bill, with funding for cyber-cooperation for Israel; Pro-Israel groups welcome Senate-approved defense bill, includes millions for Iron Dome, cyber security (Jewish News Syndicate, 12/16)

(NEW IRAN SANCTIONS) S. 3421 (pdf): Introduced 12/16 by Menendez (D-NJ) and Risch (R-ID), “A bill to clarify that section 107 of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act applies sanctions with respect to unmanned combat aerial vehicles following a 2019 change by the United Nations providing additional clarity to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms,” aka, the “the Stop Iranian Drones Act (SIDA)”. This is the Senate companion bill to HR 6089, which was marked up in/passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee December 9-10. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Press release is here. Also see: Congress takes aim at Iranian drone issue as concerns mount (Jewish Insider 12/13)

(SYRIA NARCOTICS NETWORKS) HR 6265 & S. 3392: Introduced 12/14 in the House by Hill (R-AR) and Boyle (D-PA) (“To require a strategy by the United States Government to disrupt and dismantle the Captagon trade and narcotics networks of Bashar al-Assad in Syria”) and in the Senate by Marshall (R-KS) (“A bill to require an interagency strategy to disrupt and dismantle narcotics production and trafficking and affiliated networks linked in the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria”). In the House, referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs; Intelligence; Armed Services; and the Judiciary. In the Senate, referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Hill press release; Boyle press release; Hill tweet

LETTERS

(SANCTION TECH COMPANIES THAT HACK JOURNOS, HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS, ETC) Bi-cameral letter to Yellen and Blinken: On 12/15, Sen. Wyden (D-OR) and Rep. Schiff (D-CA) led a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken urging the Biden Administration “to implement Global Magnitsky sanctions for technology companies that have enabled human rights abuses, including the arrests, disappearance, torture and murder of human rights activists and journalists, such as Jamal Khashoggi, by selling powerful surveillance technology to authoritarian governments.” The letter notes that this move “would build on the Administration’s recent addition of several technology companies to the Entities List for surveillance-enabled human rights violations.” The letter lists four companies that should be sanctioned including the Israeli tech firm NSO Group, noting that “according to investigations by the Citizen Lab and Amnesty International, [NSO] provided hacking software to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Morocco, Bahrain, and other governments, resulting in those countries hacking into the devices of journalists and human rights activists. These researchers revealed that  U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s associate Omar Abdulaziz, as well as Khashoggi’s wife, fiancée, and son, were targeted with NSO’s software both before and after his murder.” Co-signing the letter were: Meeks (D-NY),  Maloney (D-NY), Murphy, (D-CT), Schatz (D-HI), Van Hollen (D-NJ), Lynch (D-MA), Malinowski (D-NJ), Eshoo (D-CA), Connolly (D-VA), Raskin (D-MD), and Castro (D-TX).  Also see: Wyden press release; Reuters report (breaking the story);  Wyden Twitter thread; Maloney press release; American lawmakers support BDS after all (+972 Magazine, 12/17/21)  

2. Islamophobia (with Israel as the hook) in the House Debate Around Anti-Islamophobia Bill

As covered in detail in last week’s Round-Up on 12/10 the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s passage last week of HR 5665, the “Combating International Islamophobia Act.”

On the heels of that action, on 12/12 the House took up HR 5665, passing the bill by 100% party-line vote of 219-212. Floor statements leading up to the vote on HR 5665 are here. This vote came after another vote, on a resolution (H. Res. 849) allowing for HR 5665 to be brought to the floor. That resolution was passed by a vote of 219-213, with Gottheimer (D-NJ), being the sole member to cross party lines, joining Republicans in trying to derail the bill. Floor statements leading up to the vote on H. Res. 849 are here. HR 5665 now awaits action in the Senate.

Like the debate last week in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, this week’s debate around HR 5665 featured (among other things): open displays of hatred/contempt for Islam and Muslims; arguments that the bill trivializes antisemitism or harms efforts to fight against antisemitism; and arguments that the bill would lead to unfair targeting and criticism of Israel. Most notably, Gottheimer – who as noted above, voted against bringing HR 5665 to the floor – sought to offer an amendment stating that the Special Envoy “may not — (1) engage in any conduct, including in carrying out duties under this Act or the amendments made by this Act, in a manner that disparages our ally, Israel; or (2) work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.”

Gottheimer issued a press release announcing his grandstanding amendment (to be clear: there was never any chance that this bill was going to be open for amendment on the House floor; the experience at HFAC gives a flavor of what would have transpired, had amendments been allowed). In that press release Gottheimer articulated arguments that are themselves textbook Islamophobic, most notably embodying the poisonous trope — regularly directed against Muslims in public service – that Muslims are secretly inflitrating the U.S. government to promote their own anti-American, anti-Israel agenda. He wrote:

“As we work to end all forms of hate, we must ensure that new government entities do not turn into hotbeds for anti-Israel sentiments or are used as a mechanism to target America’s vital ally in the region, Israel, the sole democracy in the Middle East. We have seen what the United Nations Human Rights Council has turned into: a biased body that spends more time criticizing Israel, a leader in supporting the LGBTQ community and promoting women’s rights, rather than addressing the gravest human rights horrors in other countries around the world. We must also protect against any politically-motivated efforts to undermine the historic, bipartisan U.S.-Israel relationship, and our key partner in the fight against terror.”

Gottheiemer doubled down on this framing on Twitter:

“We must speak out against all forms of hatred & bigotry.   But it’s also critical that any new government entities don’t turn into hotbeds for anti-Israel sentiments, nor used to target our ally Israel — the only democracy in the Middle East.  That’s why I submitted an amendment to the House legislation for a Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Islamophobia.   My amendment would prevent this new role from disparaging Israel or working w/ the biased & anti-Israel United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.”

In this framing, Gottheimer was joined by some Republicans, most notably Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA):

Greene (R-GA-14) 12/15/2021: Tweet – “Last night House Democrats signed Israel’s death warrant by voting for Ilhan Omar’s Islamophobia bill. It launches an envoy from the State Department to “monitor and combat” anyone in foreign countries that attacks Islam in any way. @SenateGOP must stop this bill. Link to image   Link to quoted tweet”

Greene (R-GA-14) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “The “Islamophobia” bill we’re voting on today doesn’t even define what it means. Will Israel be “combated” for protecting themselves from a Hamas attack? Will European countries be punished for restricting immigration to prevent rapes from Muslim “migrants?” I’m voting NO! Link to video”

Greene (R-GA-14) 12/14/2021: Twitter thread – “1. I will be voting NO on @IlhanMN’s Submission Bill. Phobia is an extreme or irrational fear. It’s not irrational to fear Islamic terrorism or a religion that states it’s goal is world domination and the death of infidels. 2. The State Department’s monitoring and “combating” acts of Islamophobia is completely undefined. Would the State Department declare Jihad on any foreign country that does not submit to Islam? Link to image 3. What if Israel is attacked by a Muslim terrorist group or country? What if a European country enacts immigration restrictions bc rapes by Muslim “migrants” have skyrocketed? Will this mean the US must take action on them? Link to image 4. Congress should not even be considering, much less voting today, on this bill targeting criticism of Islam. This is Ilhan Omar’s latest effort to force the entire world to submit to Islam.”

Media Reports

Israel Hayom 12/16: Potentially anti-Israel legislation passes major hurdle in Congress (re-publishing the JNS article below under an even more inflammatory headline)

Jewish News Syndicate 12/15: House approves Omar-backed bill to create Islamophobia monitor, despite concerns of targeting Israel

Daily Beast 12/15: GOP Rep Unleashes Islamophobic Attack on Ilhan Omar in Response to Bill to Fight Islamophobia

Haaretz 12/15: Why Combating Islamophobia Is So Important to This U.S. Jewish Lawmaker

Politico 12/14: Amid caustic rhetoric, House votes to combat Islamophobia

3. Gosar Targets Muslim Equities in Jerusalem; Colleagues Stay Silent

I’ve been tracking congressional statements related to the Middle East for nearly two decades. Given that experience – reading all the grandstanding, point-scoring, mindless and inflammatory pandering, and just sheer nuttiness — it is genuinely very hard to shock me.

But Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) managed to do just that, with his December 9 statement calling for the DESTRUCTION OF THE AL AQSA MOSQUE. And no, I’m not kidding. He really did that, in a formal press release issued by his office, saying:

“It remains an abomination that a mosque was allowed to be built over this temple. The United Nations should be finding ways to dismantle and move that mosque, which is an affront to all religions.”

Gosar’s statement was ostensibly his outraged response to the UN General Assembly adopting a perennial resolution related to Jerusalem. Gosar and others whipping up outrage about the resolution either have not read or are deliberately mischaracterizing it as denying (or in Gosar’s words, “disavowing”) Jewish ties to the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif. The resolution, in fact, says nothing of the kind (and even the Jerusalem Post article linked in Gosar’s press release doesn’t back up that claim).

What is this really about?

For folks who think Gosar is capitalizing on this UN resolution to try to launder his own history of antisemitism/cozying up to white supremacists, or to cynically pit Jews and Muslims against each other, or to exploit Jerusalem/Israel as a partisan issue — that all may be true, but there is something even more dangerous going on here.

To many people, Gosar’s language about the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif may sound merely over-the-top and histrionic. However, for the people he is actually talking too — Evangelical Christians who believe in End Times, and who believe that End Times require the building of the 3rd Temple in Jerusalem, and who believe that in order for that to happen, it is necessary to remove/destroy the Muslim shrines on the site of where they believe that Temple will be built –his language is an End Times dog whistle. When Gosar refers to the Al Aqsa Mosque as an “abomination,” he is evoking scripture — Matthew 24:15, which in speaking of the site of the Third Temple, refers to “the abomination that causes desolation.”

Silence is Complicity

The response from fellow members of Congress, and from US groups that ostensibly care about Jerusalem (groups that would be having kittens if a member of Congress, say, denied Jewish links to Jerusalem, or suggested demolishing the Western Wall) has so far been: SILENCE. Likewise, there has been total silence from the entire spectrum of groups that ostensibly care about security and stability in Jerusalem or about religious freedom/respect (except for one: CAIR Says Arizona’s Rep. Paul Gosar Should Be Expelled from Congress After He Calls for Destruction of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem 

Why this silence, particularly given this week’s debate around legislation to fight Islamophobia? Some may argue that Gosar — who was only recently censured by Congress for an anime video depicting violence against various Democrats, including Rep. Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) — is a marginal lunatic whose inflammatory ravings should be ignored, rather than given more oxygen via denunciations.

People making such arguments would do well to notice that not everyone is staying silent. For example, Pastor Mark Burns, aka “Donald Trump’s Top Pastor,” weighed in on Twitter with a thread expressing not merely his agreement with Gohmert, but doubling down on Gohmert’s call to remove the Al Aqsa Mosque:

“I stand with @RepGosar in standing to protect the Temple Mount in Israel. As Israel’s former ambassador to the U.S. has said, to deny the Temple Mount is to deny the Gospel. The UN-proposed removal of the Jewish claim to the holy site is tantamount to ethnic cleansing. Just as recent UN ambassadors have advocated for the removal of American historical monuments here in the U.S., the Al-Aqsa mosque should be removed and relocated rather than allowing it to remain on top of a Jewish holy site and even erasing the Jewish name and claim entirely.”

Why This Really Does Matter

Gosar’s statement — which stands as a shining example of hatred of/contempt for Muslims, aka, Islamophobia – is clearly intended to play to and fuel evangelical fantasies about the destruction of the Muslim Shrines on the Temple Mount (as it is called by Jews)/Haram al-Sharif (as it is called by Muslims – meaning the “Noble Sanctuary”).

Such a statement by a sitting member of Congress would be reckless under any circumstances. Coming at a time when there is a parallel push on the ground by some Jewish Israelis to challenge/destroy the “status quo” that has long reigned at the site, it is gross negligence.

As a reminder, in 1969, an Australian Christian fanatic tried to burn down the Al Aqsa Mosque in order to bring on the Apocalypse. And in 1984, fanatic Jewish Israeli terrorists – part of the infamous Jewish Underground that terrorized the West Bank in the early 1980s – nearly succeeded in a plot to blow up the Dome of the Rock.

For more on the situation today, see, The Temple Mount movement is soaring under Israel’s new government (+972 Magazine); Jews are disguising themselves as Muslims to pray on Temple Mount – report (Times of Israel)  

4. $1 Billion for Israel/Iron Dome Blocked AGAIN, but It's Still Just Rand Paul, So No Big Deal

On 12/15, Sen. Blumenthal (D-CT) took to the Senate floor to seek unanimous consent to bring the extra $1 billion for Israel for Iron Dome up for a vote. For the fourth time since the end of September, Sen. Paul (R-KY) objected, once again preventing the Senate from approving the funding. Their exchange on the Senate floor can be read here. Also see: Paul again blocks unanimous consent vote on Iron Dome supplemental funding (Jewish Insider 12/16)

As a reminder, back in September when approval of the extra $1 billion for Israel for Iron Dome was held up in the House for less than 48 hours — over some members’ concerns over the lack of any consideration of the funding before bringing it to a vote, over procedural concerns (i.e., sneaking it into a continuing resolution), and for a handful of members, actual opposition to the funding itself — members of Congress from both parties and in both chambers launched outraged, hysterical attacks, suggesting that any member who wasn’t on board for immediate/instantaneous approval of the funds was endangering Israeli lives [“Next time a terrorist rocket claims the lives of civilians and children, know that their blood is on YOUR hands!”], siding with terrorists, and guilty of antisemitism [see, for example, statements by Deutch, D-FL, during the floor debate, and tweet from Fleischmann (R-TN)].

Further point-scoring/grandstanding statements continued even after the House passed the funding, stopping (for the most part) only when the funding got held up in the Senate…at which point virtually all of those members who were shrieking in righteous indignation over the House delay apparently lost interest in the matter. [To review these statements, see the Round-Ups linked below]

Now, with Paul blocking the funding for the 4th time, killing any chance of the funding happening this year, the response from fellow members of Congress (House and Senate) has amounted to:

  • Floor statements: Zero.
  • Press releases: Zero:
  • Tweets: 1 [Casten (D-IL-6) 12/15/2021: Retweet of @USJewishDems – “Today, for the 4th time, @RandPaul objected to Democratic requests to pass additional funding for Israel’s Iron Dome. But that’s not the whole story. For the fourth time, Paul’s objection was met with complete silence from every Senate Republican, including Mitch McConnell.”]

How could this possibly be the case? Hmmm… Maybe worth going to the June 2021 archives for some insight:

“On @IlhanMN, @RepJohnYarmuth, who is Jewish, says ‘A lot of my colleagues overreacted to her remarks. I asked him why he thinks he wasn’t named in censure resolution, though he’s been similarly critical of #Israel. ‘I’m neither Black, nor female, nor a #Muslim.’”

Further background/context

Media Coverage

Senator Paul blocks another unanimous vote to replenish Iron Dome (Jerusalem Post 12/17)

For 4th time, Republican senator blocks passage of Iron Dome funding bill (Times of Israel)

5. On the Record

Gottheimer in the Spotlight

In addition to his remarkable performance vis-a-vis HR 5665 (see above), Rep. Gottheimer (D-NJ) is also in the news this week for a speech he delivered at Rutgers University — a speech in which he conflated criticism of Israel with antisemitism, and in which he bashed DC-based think tank DAWN using talking points that align remarkably closely with Saudi Arabia’s criticism of the group (which was founded by Jamal Khashoggi, who was executed and dismembered by Saudi operatives). Read more:

AIPAC’s Joins the PAC Game

This week AIPAC has launched a PAC and a Super PAC, enabling it to begin engaging (officially) in campaign funding. For background on AIPAC’s unofficial role in these matters until now, see: Here’s How AIPAC Spends Money to Influence Congress [including links to other great resources on the topic]. Coverage of the announcement:

Media (general)

Christian Broadcasting Network 12/17: Palestinians Are Still Rewarding Terrorists, That’s Why GOP Is Fighting to Strengthen Taylor Force Act

Jewish Press 12/16: Israeli [settlement] Officials Thank American Friends [in Congress] for Helping Stop Jerusalem Consulate’s Reopening [citing West Bank settlement official thanking members of Congress, and closing with: “‘We have true partners on the other side of the ocean,’ added Gantz [head of the Binyamin Regional Council. ‘We will continue to work toward promoting our position regarding the Jewish towns throughout the State of Israel.’ The political team of Binyamin Regional Council, Eliana Passentin and Ruthie Lieberman continue to work with bipartisan Congressional leadership on these issues.”

New York Post 12/15: Rep. Greg Meeks joins anti-Israel socialists to push NYC Council speaker pick: sources   

Jewish Journal 12/15: Ritchie Torres, Benny Gantz Highlight IAC Conference [excerpt: “‘One need not be Jewish or Israeli to see the antisemitic double standard against Israel,’ Torres said, asking ‘why is there only a BDS movement against Israel?’ and not against Iran, China and Myanmar. ‘ selective outrage is not explained by antisemitism, then what is it?’ he said…The conference also featured video speeches from House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). ‘I am proud that my party, the Democratic Party, continues to take a stand against antisemitism,’ Hoyer said, adding that he was also proud to work with his Republican colleagues to provide enhanced security and cooperation with Israel. ‘Israeli-American cooperation is central to overcoming the world’s greatest challenges.’ McCarthy similarly touted ‘America’s unbreakable ties with Israel,’ calling the Jewish State ‘a critical ally and a model of democracy in an unstable region.’ He said that Israel is constantly under attack from terrorists like Hamas as well as constant denunciations from the international community. ‘We cannot allow for that,’ he said. McCarthy noted that he has visited Israel five times with 189 members of Congress and urges others to go on such trips.’]

The New Arab 12/14: Why Jamaal Bowman’s trip to Israel sparked debate on the US left

Jewish Insider 12/13:     Congress takes aim at Iranian drone issue as concerns mount

Jewish Insider 12/12:     Milwaukee’s son makes a Senate run [original headline – “Will Mandela Barnes Bring the Squad to the Senate” – that original link now takes you to the re-titled article, but a cached version with the original headline is still available]

Breitbart 12/12: Progressive Democrat [Torres, D-NY) Blasts BDS, LGBTQ Activists Who Defend Hamas Terror Group That ‘Murders LGBTQ People’

Arutz Sheva 12/12: Democratic lawmaker Ritchie Torres: You don’t have to be Jewish to fight antisemitism – Rep. Ritchie Torres at IAC National Summit: It’s hard to be pro-Israel if you’re a progressive Democrat in New York City, but I’m convinced I’m doing the right thing.

NDAA

Malinowski (D-NJ) 12/16: Representatives Tom Malinowski, Katie Porter, Joaquin Castro, and Anna Eshoo Applaud Congressional Passage of the “NSO Blacklist” to Counter the Hacking for Hire Industry

Malliotakis (R-NY-11) 12/16/2021: Tweet – “In July, the @FBI stopped an Iran-backed kidnapping plot targeting a #Brooklyn resident. My measure included in the #NDAA requires @ODNIgov to disclose details on all Iran-backed kidnapping attempts against US citizens so Iran can be held accountable. Malliotakis Measure Demanding Iran Transparency Passes House & Senate in NDAA… | malliotakis.house.gov”

Garbarino (R-NY-2) 12/15/2021: Retweet of @AIPAC – “A strong Israel makes America more secure. Today, Democrats & Republicans again came together to strengthen & expand the U.S.-Israel relationship: Congress authorized vital provisions in the #FY22NDAA to fund Iron Dome, strengthen U.S.-Israel cooperation and counter Iran.”

Garbarino (R-NY-2) 12/15/2021: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Strengthening U.S. & Israeli cybersecurity. The bill includes the US-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act, which authorizes $30 million for bilateral cyber cooperation. Thank you @SenJackyRosen @SenatorCollins @SenToddYoung @SenWhitehouse @RepGarbarino @JimLangevin!”

Marshall (R-KS) 12/15/2021: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Countering Iran’s regional aggression. The bill includes several amendments, which would prevent funds from being transferred to Iran or its proxies and require new reports on Iran’s military, including its support for terrorist groups. Thank you @RogerMarshallMD @RepJimBanks!”

Rosen (D-NV) 12/15/2021: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Strengthening U.S. & Israeli cybersecurity. The bill includes the US-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act, which authorizes $30 million for bilateral cyber cooperation. Thank you @SenJackyRosen @SenatorCollins @SenToddYoung @SenWhitehouse @RepGarbarino @JimLangevin!”

Young (R-IN) 12/15/2021: Twitter thread – “The #NDAA we passed today is far stronger than President Biden’s original plan. Young Votes to Pass Final Defense Authorization to Prioritize Troops, Strengthen National Security | U.S. Senator Todd Young of Indiana I’m proud to have secured key provisions in this bill to strengthen cybersecurity cooperation with Israel, invest in emerging technologies, and create a nonpartisan commission to examine the war and failed withdrawal in Afghanistan.”

Cohen (D-TN-9) 12/13/2021: Twitter thread – “All but one of my counter-corruption provisions were booted from the final version of the NDAA after we passed them in the House. Kleptocracy is a threat to democracy and good government all over the world. Defending democracy should be part of any defense bill. Link to quoted tweet Certain Members of Congress are protecting oligarchs’ riches rather than democracy. Maybe it’s Republicans who are very close to Trump who is very close to Putin and his oligarchs.”

Malinowski (D-NJ-7) 12/11/2021: Retweet of @PostOpinions – “‘I guess for some people, protecting [Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman] is more important than protecting Americans, or than respecting a majority of the U.S. Congress,’ @RepMalinowski tells @JoshRogin: Opinion | Backroom defense bill lets dictators and kleptocrats off the hook”

Normalization

Malliotakis (R-NY-11) 12/16/2021: Tweet – “Enjoyed a great discussion on national security, Abraham Accords and USA-Israel relations with constituents in Brooklyn. Thank you @AIPAC and the Sephardic Community Center for hosting this event. Link to image”

Hagerty (R-TN) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “Facilitated by the Trump Administration last year, the historic Abraham Accords continue to expand peace, security & prosperity in the Middle East as PM Naftali Bennett becomes the first @IsraeliPM to visit the United Arab Emirates. Link to quoted tweet”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “Exciting to watch historic visit by Israeli Prime Minister to UAE cementing a new era of cooperation in the Middle East – one that should benefit all. Looking forward to MBZ visit to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister meets UAE Crown Prince in Abu Dhabi in historic visit… | amp.cnn.com”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 12/13/2021: Retweet of @JGreenblattADL – “Congratulations to the leaders of #Israel and the #UAE on this historic meeting, the first ever state visit by an Israeli prime minister to Abu Dhabi. This is an inspiring reminder that peace is possible and worth the hard work. Naftali Bennett: Israeli Prime Minister meets UAE Crown Prince in Abu Dhabi in historic visit – CNN”

Emmer (R-MN-6) 12/13/2021: Tweet – “The legacy of the Abraham Accords continues! This is great news for the United States & our partners in the region. Israeli prime minister makes historic UAE visit, stressing ‘new reality’ for region… | cnbc.com”

Cardin (D-MD) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “Monday, we witnessed a historic visit between the Crown Prince of UAE and Prime Minister of Israel today – one of many regional meetings between neighbors that we hope to see in the future. Link to quoted tweet”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 12/13/2021: Tweet – “Peace is a beautiful thing! What an historic moment for the world. Link to quoted tweet” [Re: Israeli Prime Minister’s visit to UAE]

Cornyn (R-TX) 12/13/2021: Tweet – “via @NYTimes Israeli Leader Travels to U.A.E., Showcasing Deepening Ties – The New York Times”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 12/10/2021: Retweet of @DavidHarrisAJC – “Last night, Israeli & Moroccan diplomats, along w/ many others, gathered in Washington to celebrate their friendship. The joy of peace is indescribable. The joy of a new day is indescribable. The joy of rediscovering shared history is indescribable. Peace. Salaam. Shalom. Link to image”

Israel-Palestine

Davis (R-IL-13) 12/16/2021: Tweet – “Good to get together with Rabbi Mendy Turen along with Yossi Grimberg and Mendel Spielman who are training to become rabbis. We talked about issues facing the local community, combatting anti-Semitism, and the need to support Israel. Look forward to continuing to work with them! Link to image”

Long (R-MO-7) 12/17/2021: Retweet of @mikepompeo – “America’s relationship with Israel must be absolutely unshakable.”

Omar (D-MN-5) 12/17/2021: Retweet of @jaketapper – “jaw dropping. Trump: “evangelical Christians love Israel more than the Jews” in the US “it used to be that Israel had absolute power over Congress” “the Jewish people…in the US either don’t like Israel or don’t care about Israel” “they’re Jewish people that run the NYT” Link to quoted tweet”

Schatz (D-HI) 12/17/2021: Tweet – “This is overtly antisemitic and it’s disgusting. Every American Jew of every political affiliation must denounce this. Link to quoted tweet” [re: Trump comments]” Retweeed by Murphy (D-CT)

Schatz (D-HI) 12/17/2021: Tweet – “Where is @AIPAC on this. Link to quoted tweet [re: Trump comments]”

Malliotakis (R-NY-11) 12/16/2021: Retweet of @JasonKoppel – “Thank you @RepMalliotakis for sharing your thoughts with us and for your continued support for a strong US-Israel relationship. Link to quoted tweet”

Schakowsky (D-IL-9) 12/16/2021: Tweet – “Why combating Islamophobia is so important to this U.S. Jewish lawmaker… | haaretz.com”

Lamborn (R-CO-5) 12/15/2021: Retweet of @CombatASemitism – “@ZelenskyyUa @JewishImpact @lozhkin_boris @UKRinIsrael @IsraelinUkraine @Isaac_Herzog @JewishAgency @SenatorCardin @RepDLamborn @BenCardinforMD US Congressman @RepDLamborn (CO-5) NOW at the #KyivJewishForum: “How a nation views Israel and the Jewish people says a great deal about the character of that nation, and in recent years, our Ukrainian friends are emulating the noblest traditions of their country’s history.” Link to image”

Hagerty (R-TN) 12/15/2021: Tweet – “The Palestinian Authority’s abhorrent “martyr payments” encourage terror attacks against innocent Israelis and Americans. Pleased to join in efforts to thwart these payments and defend our allies.GOP senators introduce bill targeting Palestinian ‘martyr payments’… | thehill.com”

Hagerty (R-TN) 12/16/2021: Tweet – “Good call today with outgoing President @JuanOrlandoH Hernandez of Honduras. You are friend of the United States. Thank you for your leadership, your strong support for Taiwan & Israel, & your willingness to stand up to China’s bullying in Central America. Link to image”

Murphy (D-CT) 12/15/2021: Tweet – “I appreciate Israeli Interior Minister Bar-Lev’s even-handed approach to de-escalating violence around settlements. This is something I heard a lot about during my recent trip to Israel. Israeli minister prompts backlash after vowing action against settler violence… | haaretz.com”

Cotton (R-AR) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “The Obama-Biden Doctrine re-emerges: coddling the ayatollahs and driving a wedge between the United States and our Israeli allies. ‘Obsessed’ Biden administration put settlements on par with Iran nukes… | jpost.com”

Gimenez (R-FL-26) 12/13/2021: Tweet – “Today I met with @AJCGlobal, the leading Jewish advocacy org. We discussed how we can continue our strong relationship with #Israel and stand up against antisemitism. I will always be a strong ally and advocate for our Jewish community here in South Florida and beyond. #FL26 Link to image”

Schweikert (R-AZ-6) 12/13/2021: Tweet – “It was a pleasure to sit down with representatives from @AIPAC this morning to discuss the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship and its strong ties here in Arizona.Link to image”

Torres (D-NY-15) 12/14/2021: Retweet of @StopAntisemites – “Standing against antisemitism and with the Jewish nation shouldn’t be a controversial take in progressive circles yet the narrative has been successfully twisted. We thank @RepRitchie for his stedfast support of the Jewish people and are so proud to call you an ally. Link to image”

Hagerty (R-TN) 12/13/2021: Tweet – “Met w MK @NirBarkat last week, former Mayor of Jerusalem. 40 U.S. senators now support my bill to uphold 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act & block Biden’s plan to reopen U.S. consulate for Palestinians that would divide Jerusalem. Barkat led an important related bill in the Knesset. Link to image”

Massie (R-KY-4) 12/12/2021: Tweet – “A tale of two studies. Both can’t be right. CDC study says vaccine is 5 times better than natural immunity. Link to PDF | cdc.gov Israel study says natural immunity is 6 times better than vaccine. Link to PDF | medrxiv.org CDC study is junk, designed to promote vaccine agenda.” [Re-tweeted by Biggs (R-AZ-5)]

Hagerty (R-TN) 12/12/2021: Tweet – “Pleased to co-sponsor this bill is a critical step in defending our allies and countering our terrorist adversaries and thwarting the Palestinian Authority’s abhorrent ‘martyr payments’ that encourage terror attacks against innocent Israelis and Americans. New bill countering Palestinian ‘martyr payments’ targets foreign banks… | jewishinsider.com”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 12/10/2021: Tweet – “Wonderful to see Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs @drnachmanshai in DC this week. We had an excellent discussion w/ @repkmanning about engaging the American Jewish community, fighting antisemitism and advancing our shared values. Link to image”

Syria

Bishop (R-NC-9) 12/17/2021: Retweet of @BillFOXLA – “NEW: Yesterday, Border Patrol here in the Rio Grande Valley apprehended two men who had crossed illegally from Syria & Morocco, a DHS source tells me. I’m told the two men were together. Migrants from around the globe continue to show up at the southern border. @FoxNews”

Risch (R-ID) 12/10/2021: Twitter thread – “On #HumanRightsDay, we honor our partners who fight for #humanrights, #democracy, & #freedom. We’re blessed to live in the US, but are reminded that in countries like #Syria, #China, #Tajikistan, #Burundi, & #Nicaragua, those on the front lines are working to secure basic rights. This #HumanRightsDay, we recommit to ending the plight of #Afghan women and girls who face new threats, and restrictions to basic liberties, under a brutal #Taliban regime. We must hold the Taliban accountable to ensure the progress of the last 20 years is not lost. In #Syria, basic #humanrights are under assault every day by the #Assad regime & its #Russian & #Iranian backers. We must not let this brutal dictator back into the international fold while he continues to attack the #Syrian people & crush any remaining freedoms. #HumanRightsDay On #HumanRightsDay in #Nicaragua, we reaffirm our commitment to bolstering civil society and the fundamental #humanrights of those fighting for a free and open country to end authoritarian rule. In an overly oppressive country like #Tajikistan, basic civil liberties are brutally repressed. In a state of systemic corruption, mass censorship, & violent political reprisals, we are reminded that a robust civil society is essential to ending authoritarianism. #HumanRightsDay In #Belarus, brutal dictator #Lukashenka has decimated civil society and basic #humanrights. We must stand with those fighting for basic freedoms like assembly, speech, and press. #HumanRightsDay The @UN Commission of Inquiry on #Burundi recently found that executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, torture, intimidation & other #humanrights violations continue with impunity. Despite promises of reform, democratic space remains closed. #HumanRightsDay The #AnglophoneCrisis in #Cameroon, which continues in its 5th year, is a forgotten #humanrights crisis that needs a greater sense of urgency & attention from the U.S., & the entire international community, to resolve the conflict and stop atrocities on all sides. #HumanRightsDay The #Tatmadaw’s continued terrorism and assault on innocent civilians and #humanrights defenders in #Burma must end. The U.S. stands with the people of Burma and will continue to advocate for a return to civilian-led rule. #HumanRightsDay In #China, the #CCP continues to mercilessly target #humanrights to suppress any and all dissent. The recent forced disappearance of #PengShuai highlights the party’s desperate and disgusting need to protect itself and control every narrative. #HumanRightsDay”

Iran

Banks (R-IN-3) 12/16/2021: Tweet – “Biden can’t make a lasting deal with Tehran without bipartisan support from Congress. House conservatives are going to work day and night to make sure we hold Iran accountable for sponsoring terrorism, developing nukes and human rights abuses. #IranTalks To get Iran to change its behavior, the Biden team must engage with… | thehill.com”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 12/16/2021: Twitter thread – “Twitter’s track record of censoring conservatives on its platform while allowing the Supreme Leader of Iran and Chinese govt officials to remain demonstrates a clear lack of leadership and accountability. Today I joined with my colleagues on the Big Tech Task Force in pressing the new Twitter CEO to end censorship of conservatives, uphold the First Amendment, and ensure the company does not interfere in future elections. EXCLUSIVE: Congressional Republicans Press New Twitter CEO Over Censorship Of Free Speech | The Daily Caller   Link to image” Retweeted by Rodgers (R-WA-5)

Risch (R-ID) 12/16/2021: Tweet – “As we saw w/ recent #Iranian-sponsored drone attacks on U.S. troops & the #Iraqi PM, #Iran’s armed drone capability presents a dangerous & growing threat to the Middle East. This legislation rightly imposes costs on Iran’s drone program & its supporters. SFRC Ranking Member and Chair Introduce the Stop Iranian Drones Act of 2021 | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations”

Banks (R-IN-3) 12/15/2021: Retweet of @elliecohanim – “’I’ll tell Tehran & the State Department right now—House conservatives will work day & night to reimpose sanctions on Iran absent an agreement that meets the 12 demands found in the Republican Study Committee’s bill, the Maximum Pressure Act’: @RepJimBanks To get Iran to change its behavior, the Biden team must engage with… | thehill.com”

Herrell (R-NM-2) 12/15/2021: Retweet of @LibertyIranian – “This is a must watch video from our friend @RepHerrell! Link to quoted tweet”

Blackburn (R-TN) 12/16/2021: Tweet – “While Iranian-backed militias are attacking US troops, Joe Biden is negotiating to allow the regime to develop nuclear weapons. You can’t make this up.” [NOTE: responses to this tweet, including from Iran sanctions experts, noted that Blackburn had, indeed, made this up, as the claim is wholly inaccurate.]

Green (R-TN-7) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “Tehran must understand the United States’ red line in the sand. Time is running out, Mr. President. Link to quoted tweet”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “I’m proud that @HouseForeignGOP @HouseForeign passed the bipartisan Stop Iranian Drones Act that I introduced with Meeks, Wilson, and Deutch. We must respond to the drones targeting U.S. troops and diplomats, and our allies in the Middle East. Congress takes aim at Iranian drone issue as concerns mount… | jewishinsider.com”

Steil (R-WI-1) 12/14/2021: Retweet of @Kredo0 – “SCOOP: Iranian ‘Drone Armies’ Step Up Attacks on US as Nuclear Talks Languish — @RepBryanSteil and GOP colleagues say Biden admin will not sanctions Iranian terror proxies to avoid agitating regime amid negotiations Iranian ‘Drone Armies’ Step Up Attacks on US as Nuclear Talks Languish, GOP Lawmakers Say… | freebeacon.com”

Marshall (R-KS) 12/14/2021: Retweet of @Kredo0 – “JUST IN: Congress Will Force Biden Admin to Publicly Disclose How Iran Sanctions Relief Funds Terrorism — Unprecedented reporting requirement stops Biden from hiding sanctions relief to Tehran as nuke talks restart Congress Requires Biden Admin to Publicly Disclose How Iran Sanctions Relief Could Fund Terrorism… | freebeacon.com”

Jackson (R-TX-13) 12/13/2021: Tweet – “Under Biden, our adversaries have NO respect for America. China and Russia are making military advances on other countries and Iran is jerking us around over the Iran Nuclear Deal because they know Biden is WEAK! But hey, at least we don’t have any more mean tweets…”

Mast (R-FL-18) 12/13/2021: Tweet – “With Joe Biden in the White House, rogue nations are pushing the envelope. Satellite images, expert suggest Iranian space launch coming… | politico.com”

Stewart (R-UT-2) 12/13/2021: Tweet – “Our adversaries in Moscow, Tehran and Beijing are going to test President Biden to expand their power and spheres of influence. Unfortunately, it isn’t at all clear if or how Biden will respond. Link to video”

Cruz (R-TX) 12/13/2021: Retweet of @michaelsobolik – “@tedcruz has big predictions for developments between now & 2024: #1: China willl invade Taiwan #2: Iran will develop a nuclear weapon #3: Russia will invade Ukraine Check out my interview w/ my old boss, in the latest episode of GREAT POWER PODCAST  Great Power Podcast: Peace Through Strength on Apple Podcasts | podcasts.apple.com”

Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25) 12/13/2021: Twitter thread – “(1/2) Last week, I sent a letter to @SecBlinken expressing my concerns regarding the resumption of negotiations toward a return to the failed #IranDeal. Link to image (2/2) I particularly emphasized that an emboldened, strengthened, and unchecked Iran further strengthened by weakened sanctions and unearned diplomacy will have disastrous consequences for our hemisphere.”

Cruz (R-TX) 12/13/2021: Tweet – “And sending them $100 Bn to pay for the bombs will certainly help…. Link to quoted tweet”

Risch (R-ID) 12/12/2021: Tweet – “Happening now: @EricShawnTV and I discuss #Iran nuclear talks on @Foxnews.”

Risch (R-ID) 12/12/2021: Tweet – “We’ve got a number of sanctions that are still waiting in the wings for #Iran. I’ve been urging the admin to use them, but they don’t. It’s discouraging – they’re clearly not doing enough. My full interview w/ @FoxNews on Iran nuclear talks: ICYMI: Risch Discusses Nuclear Talks with Iran on Fox News | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations”

Risch (R-ID) 12/12/2021: Tweet – “Tune in today at 10:45am MT/ 12:45pm ET to hear @EricShawnTV and I discuss nuclear talks with #Iran on @FoxNews.”

Long (R-MO-7) 12/11/2021: Retweet of @RonnyJacksonTX – “At any moment a crisis can unfold in Ukraine, Taiwan, & Iran. What’s Biden doing? NOTHING! America is back to being WEAK on the world stage.”

Long (R-MO-7) 12/10/2021: Retweet of @RichardGrenell – “He’s negotiating with Iran while they push gay people off buildings. Politicians will say anything. Link to quoted tweet”

Meeks (D-NY-5) 12/10/2021: Tweet – “CM @RepGregoryMeeks issues statement on passage of Stop Iranian Drones Act out of Committee Meeks Issues Statement on Passage of Stop Iranian Drones Act out of Committee… | foreignaffairs.house.gov”

Rubio (R-FL) 12/10/2021: Tweet – “On #HumanRightsDay, Senator Rubio reaffirms his commitment to stand with those fighting for their God-given human rights in #Cuba, #China, #Russia, #Iran, & countless countries around the world. The U.S. must continue to champion the cause of freedom & #StandUp4HumanRights”

Saudi Arabia

Deutch (D-FL-22) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “Great to join @USCIRF and their esteemed panel of experts last week for their discussion of religious freedom violations in #SaudiArabia and #Iran. From Saudi Arabia to Iran and all around the world, universal rights must be universally respected. Link to quoted tweet”

Cornyn (R-TX) 12/13/2021: Retweet of @Life_Powered_ – “.@JohnCornyn hit the nail on the head by stating that, “begging the Saudis to increase production while the White House ties one hand behind the backs of American energy companies is pathetic and embarrassing.” @BryanBashur Biden’s renewable energy rush is making gas prices skyrocket… | hubs.la”

Doggett (D-TX-35) 12/12/2021: Tweet – “After Jamal Khashoggi’s 2018 brutal murder authorized by the Saudi regime, Hiatt honored his writer’s memory with his direct and independent search for the facts and for accountability, and prompt pushback against baseless propaganda against him. Link to quoted tweet”

Kim (D-NJ-3) 12/11/2021: Twitter thread – ““Hold The Line” said @mariaressa upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize yesterday. Those words were the first and last sentences of her remarks to the world. They have stuck in my mind ever since. It is an urgent call to action, but for what? Here’s what i discovered…(THREAD) Link to image HOLD THE LINE FOR TRUTH: Ressa describes a world plagued by a virus of lies that pits “us against each other, brings out our fears, anger and hate.” But what I found so fascinating is that she then goes into greater detail on what exactly breaks down and why it is dangerous.2/12 Ressa says “Without facts, you can’t have truth. Without truth, you can’t have trust. Without trust, we have no shared reality, no democracy, and it becomes impossible to deal with our world’s existential problems: climate, coronavirus, the battle for truth.”3/12 Her words are a remarkable perspective on the damaging causal chain that has been set in motion. Without truth, we are unmoored and drift from each other. Truth is the anchor and steadies us in rough waters, but it also guides us together.4/12 Truth is the anchor for our democracy as well. It is likely why the founding fathers felt compelled to ground the Declaration of Independence in the words “We hold these TRUTHS to be self-evident.” Truth is what gave our founders the standing to stand up to tyranny. 5/12 Link to image HOLD THE LINE AGAINST AUTHORITARIANS AND DICTATORS: It’s not just that lies swirl around us, but also that leaders weaponize these lies to grab power and entrench themselves. They do so by dismantling facts and spreading distrust. 6/12 I think many of us have learned how fragile truth is. It’s jarring to realize how easily we can be divided by this breakdown. But Maria Ressa spoke about her hope. In front of world leaders she held up a t-shirt emblazoned with the line “Believe There is Good in the World” 7/12 Link to image HOLD THE LINE FOR JOURNALISM: Ressa described a profession under attack. “Brutal dismemberment of Jamal Khashoggi” and other assassinations have instilled deep fear. Ressa herself has been arrested multiple times, and she says she faces 100 years in jail.8/12 Link to image WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO SACRIFICE FOR THE TRUTH? Ressa asks us to contemplate this question. What are each of us willing to put on the line. We cannot assume someone else will fight our fights. It takes courage. 9/12 The Nobel Peace Prize 2021… | nobelprize.org TRANSFORM HATE: Ressa calls this our greatest need, to transform hate. I didn’t understand at first what she meant, but then I heard her say “The more I was attacked for my journalism, the more resolute I became.” Then it clicked. She transforms the hate into strength. 10/12 Link to image Ressa draws strength from her obstacles; makes her want to fight harder. This understanding of transformation helped me realize something. I’ve often said “the opposite of democracy is apathy.” It is when we think we can’t make a difference that we stop making a difference.11/12 I first started following Maria Ressa because she grew up in my congressional district in NJ. Like me, she was a public school kid. I’ve been so proud to witness the growth of her courage. She makes me want to fight harder. I’ll join her to Hold The Line. I hope you do too.END Link to image”

Turkey

Greene (R-GA-14) 12/12/2021: Tweet – “This is what Americans should be doing every single weekend. Link to quoted tweet”

Malliotakis (R-NY-11) 12/12/2021: Retweet of @TheAHIinDC – “AHI worked closely w/ @RepMalliotakis to introduce H.Res.376 condemning #Turkey for its illegal occupation of #Cyprus. We are glad it passed the @HouseForeign & look forward to working w/ @NMalliotakis to ensure its passage in the House of Reps. Thank you @RepMalliotakis”

Eshoo (D-CA-18) 12/10/2021: Twitter thread – “In 2020, Azerbaijan and Turkey launched an unprovoked war against Artsakh and Armenia, taking more than 6,000 lives and displacing at least 90,000 ethnic Armenians. Thousands of unexploded ordnances remain, posing a lethal threat to families who wish to return home. (1/2) @RepSpeier and I led a letter today with 33 of our colleagues in support of including demining assistance for Artsakh in final Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations legislation. These funds are necessary to complete the important work of clearing Artsakh of deadly explosives. (2/2) Link to image”

Malliotakis (R-NY-11) 12/10/2021: Retweet of @GreekReporter – “Malliotakis Passes Resolution Condemning Turkey for Aggression Malliotakis Passes Resolution Condemning Turkey for Aggression… | dlvr.it”

Malliotakis (R-NY-11) 12/10/2021: Retweet of @HellenicLeaders – “Thank you to @RepMalliotakis for introducing a bill “Condemning Turkey for its repeated aggression toward Cyprus,” which was approved by the House Foreign Affairs Committee. It’s an important step in holding Turkey accountable for its continued illegal occupation of Cyprus. Link to image”

Malliotakis (R-NY-11) 12/10/2021: Retweet of @lenaargiri – “US @HouseForeign passes @NMalliotakis’ resolution that “condemns Turkey for repeated aggression towards Cyprus” committee condemns continued military presence,calls upon Turkey to immediately withdraw troops,reverse unilateral action in Varosha, cease illegal interference in C’ EOZ”

Malliotakis (R-NY-11) 12/10/2021: Retweet of @GreekReporter – “Malliotakis Passes Resolution Condemning Turkey for Aggression Malliotakis Passes Resolution Condemning Turkey for Aggression… | dlvr.it”

Malliotakis (R-NY-11) 12/10/2021: Retweet of @HellenicLeaders – “Thank you to @RepMalliotakis for introducing a bill “Condemning Turkey for its repeated aggression toward Cyprus,” which was approved by the House Foreign Affairs Committee. It’s an important step in holding Turkey accountable for its continued illegal occupation of Cyprus. Link to image”

Tunisia

Wilson (R-SC-2) 12/15/2021: Twitter thread – “I am deeply disappointed by Tunisian President Kais Saied’s announcement yesterday keeping the parliament shut down until December 2022, dispensing with the constitution, and self-appointing a group to write a new constitution. I will continue to push in Congress for (1/2) democracy in Tunisia, and hope the country can quickly return to the democratic path and follow its constitution. (2/2)”

Murphy (D-CT) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “I will be speaking at 11am on my recent trip w @ossoff to Tunisia and the worrying suspension of democracy there. Link to quoted tweet”

UAE

Burchett (R-TN-2) 12/15/2021: Tweet – “China flexes it’s muscle under weak leadership by ⁦@POTUS⁩ UAE suspends multi-billion dollar weapons deal in sign of growing frustration with US-China showdown – CNN”

Qatar/Yemen/Lebanon

Velázquez (D-NY-7) 12/17/2021: Tweet – “A tragic senseless killing of a bright young man taken too soon. We must all condemn the rise of crimes against bodega workers as we honor Fadhl’s memory. Link to quoted tweet” [re murder of a Yemeni immigrant in New York]

King (I-ME) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “In the aftermath of America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, we must work with our partners and allies to avert an imminent humanitarian crisis. After a trip to Pakistan and Qatar, I sat down with @MitchellReports to discuss the challenges and opportunities we face. Link to video”

King (I-ME) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “Last night, I returned from a trip to the Middle East that included stops in Pakistan and Qatar. I’ll be joining @MitchellReports around 12:30 PM to discuss my trip, where things stand four months after our Afghanistan withdrawal, and opportunities for strategic cooperation.”

Murphy (D-CT) 12/13/2021: Retweet of @OSE_Yemen – “Warm congratulations #Yemen’s juniors football ⚽️ team for winning the West Asian U15 Boys Championship 2021. Heartwarming to see the unity, joy and celebrations across the country. @waffootball Link to image”

Dingell (D-MI-12) 12/10/2021: Tweet – “On #HumanRightsDay, the international community must come together to address humanitarian crises across the world. From the war in Yemen to the political and financial crisis in Lebanon, it’s critical we work together to save innocent lives.”

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