Legislative Round-Up: February 4, 2022

by APN 02/07/22
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 Produced by the Foundation for Middle East Peace in cooperation with Americans for Peace Now, where the Legislative Round-Up was conceived.

1. Bills, Resolutions, Letters
2. Congress Flips Out Over Amnesty International’s Report on Israel
3. Hearings & Markups
4. On the Record

1. Bills, Resolutions & Letters

(BILL TOTALLY UNRELATED TO ISRAEL/MIDDLE EAST, BUT….) HR 4521: Introduced 7/19/21 by Johnson (D-TX), and having 101 cosponsors, the “Bioeconomy Research and Development Act of 2021.” This bill was considered on the House floor this week (and as of this writing is still pending on the House floor), after being re-purposed as the “America COMPETES Act of 2022.” The base bill (as agreed-on in the Rules Committee) includes two Iran-related provisions (Sec. 30258, “Report and Briefing on Cooperation between China and Iran and between China and Russia; and Section 30283, “Sense of Congress on People’s Republic of China-Iran Relationship”. The base bill also includes Section 30282, “Sense Of Congress on Middle East & North Africa Engagement”, which includes a statement of policy stating that (among other things), it is US policy to “promote greater regional integration and intraregional cooperation, including with Israel.” In addition, 4 Middle East-related amendments were ruled in order by the Rules Committee, (of which 3 were adopted). These are:

  • An amendment banning Iranian ownership in company that has a contract related to US port management (#240 in the Rules Committee Report, defeated as part of an en bloc group of amendments by a vote of 204-225
  • An amendment adding Iran to the list of prohibited “countries of concern” for the loans and loan guarantees under the proposed Critical Supply Chain Resilient Program  (#91 in the Rules Committee Report, adopted as part of an en bloc group of amendments by a vote of 221- 211).
  • An amendment offered by Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Salazar (R-FL) to add “potential opportunities for partnership with Israel and other regional nations in areas such as technological cooperation critical to national security as an element of the U.S. strategy for countering China in the Middle East.” (Amendment #100 in the Rules Committee Report; the amendment was adopted as part of an en bloc amendment by a vote of 262 – 168). Also see celebratory tweets from Gottheimer (D-NJ-5)/AIPAC and Salazar (R-FL-27)/AIPAC
  • A unabashedly non-germane amendment offered by Jackson (R-TX), directing “the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to remove Israel as a permanent agenda item and to bring an end to the ‘Commission of Inquiry’ to investigate the State of Israel.” [Note: the fact that this totally non-germane amendment was made in order suggests that members understood that opposing it – even merely over the fact that it is wholly non-germane – would result in them being publicly attacked as anti-Israel and even antisemitic — see letter below; also see Section 4, below, for ongoing attack in Congress on the UN and the Commission of Inquiry]. (Amendment #119 in the Rules Committee report; the amendment was adopted as part of an en bloc amendment by a vote of 262 – 168). Also see: Jackson (R-TX-13) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “Tonight, 3 of my amendments passed on the House Floor. |Ending the UN’s RIDICULOUS investigation of Israel | Preventing future Olympic Games from being held in countries that are committing genocide | Protecting our ag supply chains from foreign interference 
HUGE wins!”

(NO WEAPONS TO SOME HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSERS) S.3558 (pdf): Introduced 2/2/22 by Murray (D-WA) and no cosponsors, “to amend the Arms Export Control Act to provide for better monitoring and verification of the use of defense articles and defense services by countries of concern, and for other purposes”, aka, the “Values in Arms Export Act of 2022.” Per Murray’s press release, the goal of the bill is “to restore Congressional authority over arms sales, and prevent U.S. arms from being used to violate the laws of war and human rights”. The press release notes that the bill “comes after the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen has killed hundreds of civilians, including 40 children on a school bus, 155 people in a funeral hall, and 97 in a market…Advanced weapons, provided by the U.S., were implicated in all of these attacks, and these are just some of many examples…”  For folks who might see this and think – “hey, this is being introduced the same week that Amnesty International issued a report documenting far-reaching Israeli abuses of Palestinian human rights – does this mean someone in Congress is actually taking that seriously?” – the answer is: what are you smoking and are you going to share it with the rest of us? Because of course, the bill explicitly exempts from this new oversight weapons exports to Israel, along with those to NATO and NATO members, Japan, Australia, the Republic of Korea, and New Zealand. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Murray’s one-page explainer.

 

LETTERS

(PROTECT UYGHURS AND KAZAKHS AT RISK OF DEPORTATION FROM MOROCCO, SAUDI ARABIA, AND KAZAKHSTAN) Merkley-McGovern letter to Blinken: On 2/1, Sen. Merkley (D-OR) and Rep. McGovern (D-MA), Chair and Co-chair the bipartisan/bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China, sent a letter to SecState Blinken “with regard to recent reports of the possible deportation of Turkic Muslims from Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Kazakhstan to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). We urge you to intervene in these cases to prevent the refoulement of these individuals, as they are at serious risk of arbitrary detention, torture, and other forms of severe mistreatment if they are returned to China…” Press release is here; Also see Tweets – McGovern (D-MA-2), Merkley (D-OR)

(CONCERN OVER MIDEAST ENERGY DEALS) Risch-McCaul letter to Blinken: On 2/1, Sen. Risch (R-ID) and Rep. McCaul (R-TX), sent a letter to SecState Blinken “to express serious concerns regarding the energy deals the Biden Administration is facilitating between Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt that would undoubtedly enrich the Assad regime and trigger U.S. sanctions under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act.” The letter closes with: “We urge you to reconsider your support for these energy deals, and instead find alternative avenues to support Lebanon that prioritize Lebanese reforms necessary to address the country’s ongoing economic crisis.  Should you choose to pursue these energy arrangements, we urge you follow the law and utilize a Caesar Act waiver to make clear to the world that this bipartisan, bicameral legislation is the core framework through which the United States views dealings with the Syrian regime.” Also see: press release; Tweets from Cruz (R-TX), McCaul (R-TX-10), Risch (R-ID), Wilson (R-SC-2)

(BIDEN ADMIN IS WORKING TO GET ISRAEL INTO VISA WAIVER PROGRAM) Biden Administration response to Rosen letter: On 1/31, Alice Lugo, Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs sent a letter to Senator Rosen (D-NV) responding to Rosen’s December 2021 letter urging the Biden Administration pushing for Israel to be added to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) (covered in detail in the 12/23/21 edition of the Round-Up). Lugo’s letter mainly describes the requirements of the VWP and concludes with: “HS, State, and the Government of Israel have begun this process and are working to achieve concrete results on an accelerated timeline. When conditions safely permit, a DHS and State delegation plans to travel to Israel to help achieve further progress.”

(INVESTIGATE DEATH OF AMCIT IN THE WEST BANK) Baldwin-Moore letter to Blinken: According to media reports, Sen. Baldwin (D-WI) and Rep. Moore (D-WI) have sent a letter (which has not been posted on either of their websites, and about which neither of them has issued a statement or published a Tweet) to SecState Blinken asking the Biden Administration to investigate the death of an elderly Palestinian-American — who was previously a longtime resident of Wisconson — in the West Bank. As a reminder: IDF troops held elderly Palestinian bound and gagged for over an hour — report (Times of Israel). Also see:

(ENFORCE IRAN OIL SANCTIONS) Cotton et al letter to Biden: On 1/27, Sen. Cotton (R-AR) led a letter, co-signed by 9 Senate colleagues (all Republicans) to President Biden, urging (or as stated in Cotton’s press release, “demanding” that he “take action against the growing fleet of oil tankers evading U.S. sanctions and against the entities purchasing Iranian oil from these tankers.” For anyone who wasn’t already clear on the fact that the target audience of this letter is NOT the Biden Admin, the letter goes on to state: “Your unwillingness to take actions that could jeopardize the doomed Vienna nuclear talks has undeniably emboldened these criminals. Meanwhile, the boom in oil sales has refilled the Iranian regime’s once-empty coffers, removed crucial American leverage over Iran, and encouraged the Iranians to stall negotiations in Vienna and irreversibly advance their pursuit of a nuclear weapon. It is long past time to stop your dithering. You are putting U.S. national security at risk. We urge you to enforce U.S. sanctions against entities that purchase Iranian oil and against those foreign-flagged oil tankers which keep Iran’s illicit oil trade alive. Each day you delay gives Iran more money to finance their terrorist activity and more time to develop a nuclear weapon. We would also remind you that sanctions against Iran’s oil exports are mandatory and passed Congress with bipartisan majorities. You are not above the law and must stop violating it.” Also see:

(DE-FUND UNHRC) Hartzler-led letter to HAC Chair & Ranking Member: On 1/14/22 (not previously covered in the Round-Up) Harzler (R-MO) led a letter, cosigned by 24 House colleagues (all Republicans), to House Appropriations Committee Chair DeLauro (D-CT) and Ranking Member Granger (R-TX), urging them “to include language in the final bill to withhold funding from the United Nations Human Rights Council until the May 2021 permanent commission of inquiry to investigate Israel is dissolved and Israel is removed as a permanent agenda item.”  Also see 2/1/22 press release from McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Combating Anti-Israel Bias at the UN

 

2. Congress Flips Out Over Amnesty International’s Report on Israel

Predictably, this week saw many, many members of Congress engaging in public hysterics and histrionics over Amnesty International’s new report, Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians: Cruel system of domination and crime against humanity — issued Feb 1, and weighing in at 280 pages of deeply-researched, heavily footnoted analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.

Notably, the speed with which many members of Congress moved to attack, reject and denounce the report in its entirety – and to defame and delegitimize Amnesty International for authoring/publishing it – suggests that few if any of them bothered to read it, let alone consider even briefly the actual issues it raises (underscored by the fact that attacks began before the report was even issued).

Indeed, the substance and tone of most Members’ statements suggests they never intend to do so, and that they are choosing to view even the notion of engaging the content of the report as proof of irrational animus towards Israel and antisemitism. Substance and tone that, as it happens, mirror the narratives pushed out by the Israeli government and their U.S. fellow travelers in the days before the release of the report. And not for nothing — it appears that AIPAC this week was individually quote-tweeting/thanking members of Congress who tweeted out their condemnation of the report (with many members happily re-tweeting AIPAC’s praise of their “Amnesty Bad, Israel Good, Israel NOT Apartheid” tweets).

Below is a collection of all the Tweets, press releases, and floor statements on the topic by members of Congress on that I could find (arranged alphabetically)

A Few Members NOT Attacking Amnesty International

Bush (D-MO-1) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “.@Amnesty is the latest human rights organization raising the alarm about Israel’s crime of apartheid against Palestinians. We must end US taxpayer support for this violence & stand up for Palestinian human rights and liberation, including by passing @BettyMcCollum04’s HR 2590. Link to quoted tweet”

McCollum (D-MN-4) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “New @amnesty report states that Israel’s “cruel system of domination” treats the Palestinian people as an “inferior racial group.” Congress can no longer ignore or excuse Israel’s occupation & system of oppression. #HR2590 Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians: a cruel system of domination and a crime against humanity – Amnesty International”

Omar (D-MN-5) 02/03/2022: Retweet of @goldsteinricky – ““Israel is not being held to a different standard – but apparently the government of Israel wants to be held to no standard at all.” 13 Israeli NGOs defend Amnesty International’s report charging apartheid. Link to image”

Omar (D-MN-5) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @amnesty – “Israel’s apartheid over Palestinians is a crime against humanity. There is no place for it in a world that upholds equality and the right to live with dignity. To uphold human rights everywhere, we must end apartheid rule over millions of Palestinians. #EndIsraeliApartheid Link to image”

Omar (D-MN-5) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @mehdirhasan – ““You don’t have to believe Israel is committing apartheid…what you cannot do is simply shout down all references to apartheid as antisemitic…you have to engage with the evidence…you have to speak to Palestinians.” My take on @Amnesty’s new report: Link to video”

Tlaib (D-MI-13) 02/04/2022: Retweet of @IfNotNowOrg – “This is the warning everyone gets when trying to watch @amnesty’s YouTube video summarizing its report on Israeli apartheid. If YouTube must have a warning, maybe it should say: “This video may cause moral reckoning for some users.” Link to image”

Tlaib (D-MI-13) 02/02/2022: Twitter thread – “Another human being killed by the apartheid gov’t of Israel. 80-year-old U.S. Citizen Omar Assad was dragged from his car, handcuffed, beaten, & left to die on a frigid night by Israeli government. I join @SenBaldwin & @RepGwenMoore in demanding an independent U.S. investigation. This racist violence and impunity is only possible because of the apartheid government of Israel, supported by the US, continues to systematically dehumanize Palestinians. Don’t take my word for it – read the new @amnesty report here: Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians: a cruel system of domination and a crime against humanity… | amnesty.org”

Tlaib (D-MI) 1/31/22: Tweet – “U.S. foreign aid shouldn’t go to apartheid governments, period.”

Attacking the Report — Letters & Group Statements

Daines (R-MT) letter to Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard. Also see Daines’ press release – “Daines Blasts Amnesty International’s Report Calling Israel Apartheid State, Demands Retraction from Organization”

Joint Democrats’ Statement: Amnesty International U.K. Report Delegitimizes Jewish and Democratic State of Israel – signed by Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Schneider (D-IL), Frankel (D-FL), Luria (D-VA), Manning (D-NC), Gottheimer (D-NJ), Phillips (D-MN), Sherman (D-CA) and Auchincloss (D-MA) [“…Sadly, the biased report is steeped in antisemitism and is part of Amnesty’s broad, decades-long campaign to criminalize and delegitimize the world’s only Jewish state”]. Also see Tweets from: Frankel (D-FL-21), Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-23)

Israel Allies Caucus 2/2: Reps. Chabot and Lamborn, Israel Allies Caucus Co-Chairs, Issue Statement on Amnesty Int’l Report on Israel [“We are deeply concerned by Amnesty International’s biased report on Israel which inappropriately ignores history and context to smear the foremost democracy in the Middle East as an apartheid state…Israel has a right to defend itself, but Amnesty’s tunnel vision downplays the real problem: Palestinian intransigence and the constant terror threat from Hamas and other armed groups. Worse, it fails to recognize that the history of anti-Semitism, including the Holocaust, requires Israel to remain a safe haven and a Jewish state. This sort of rhetoric won’t do anything to solve the underlying problems and only gives talking points to radical extremists.”] Tweets – Chabot (R-OH-1) , Lamborn (R-CO-5); Also see: Congressional Israel Allies Caucus co-chairs criticize Amnesty report on Israel (Jewish News Syndicate)

Attacking the Report

Bacon (R-NE-2) 02/03/2022: Retweet of @AJCGlobal – “@RepDonBacon @amnesty Thank you for condemning Amnesty’s libelous report on Israel and for standing up for truth about our closest democratic ally. For more info, check out this piece about Amnesty’s twisted application of “apartheid” and its history of downplaying antisemitism.Amnesty’s Outrageous Lie, its Big Problem with Jews, and the Truth About Israel | AJC”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 02/02/2022: In reply to Tweet – “@smith58_robert @amnesty But some is… and this is. Link to reply @smith58_robert @amnesty You sound guilty.” [criticizing a random person with less than 500 followers of being an antisemite for this tweet – “I am a Zionist but all criticism of Israel is not anti-Semitism. The govt IS creating *cantons*. Look at the maps. It is the only way to defend against Arab efforts to change the country demographics”]

Bacon (R-NE-2) 02/02/2022: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Thank you @RepDonBacon for your principled leadership and moral clarity in rightfully condemning @amnesty’s outrageous slander on our democratic ally Israel. Link to quoted tweet”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “.@Amnesty’s attacks against the State of Israel are disgusting & anti-Semitic, plain and simple. With their report, they have joined the ranks of other shameful organizations, like the UN Human Rights Council, which perpetuate hate against a shining beacon of freedom and hope.”

Balderson (R-OH-12) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Instead of fanning the flames of anti-Semitism, @amnesty should focus on real human rights abusers like the Chinese Communist Party. This baseless demonization of Israel is appalling. Link to quoted tweet”

Balderson (R-OH-12) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Thank you @RepBalderson for your principled leadership and moral clarity in rightfully condemning @amnesty’s outrageous slander on our democratic ally Israel. Link to quoted tweet”

Banks (R-IN-3) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “Instead of holding the world’s only Jewish state to a double standard, @amnesty should focus on real human rights abusers like China, Iran and North Korea. The US stands with #Israel against this frightening wave of antisemitism and anti-Israel hatred. Israel is an apartheid state, Amnesty International says… | npr.org”

Barr (R-KY-6) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “Israel is a shining light of democracy and freedom in the Middle East. Labeling Israel an “apartheid state” as Amnesty International did, is a disgrace. I condemn this report and will always stand with Israel and the Jewish people. @JoeBiden should do the same.”

Barr (R-KY-6) 02/03/2022: Retweet of @BluegrassRabbi – “Thank you @RepAndyBarr for speaking out against the noxious antisemitic lies of @amnesty. Thank you for always being an ally, and a light in our community. May God bless those who bless Israel. Link to quoted tweet”

Bilirakis (R-FL-12) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “I’m proud to stand behind Israel, our greatest ally, and its right to self-determination. Shame on Amnesty International for perpetuating anti-Semitic ideology and spreading a false narrative that Israel is an apartheid state. Amnesty is charging Israeli apartheid to erase Jewish state – NGO claims”

Bilirakis (R-FL-12) 02/02/2022: Statement – Bilirakis Condemns Rise in Anti-Semitic Behavior [“The recent rise in anti-Semitic behavior throughout our country and around the globe is simply appalling.  Whether it’s a group in central Florida using anti-Semitic racial slurs, a Hollywood elite trying to claim that the Holocaust was not rooted in racism, Amnesty International comparing Israel to an apartheid regime, or a coordinated effort to leave anti-Semitic flyers on doorsteps throughout six different states—it is disgusting and unacceptable.”]

Boozman (R-AR) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Amnesty International labeling Israel – a steadfast, strategic ally committed to the values of democracy & freedom – an apartheid state is dangerous, ill-founded and unfair. I urge Pres. Biden and our international partners to denounce it. Full statement: Boozman Condemns Amnesty International’s Anti-Israel Report… | boozman.senate.gov”. Also see Tweet

Boozman (R-AR) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Thank you @JohnBoozman for your principled leadership and moral clarity in rightfully condemning @amnesty’s outrageous slander on our democratic ally Israel. Link to quoted tweet”

Boozman (R-AR) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., called for President Biden and international partners to ‘denounce’ Amnesty International’s report on Tuesday. Link to quoted tweet”

Brown (D-OH-11) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “Let’s be clear: Israel is not an apartheid state. Any mischaracterizations otherwise attempt to delegitimize Israel, a robust democracy, and will only serve to fuel rising antisemitism. I will always advocate for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship founded on our shared values.”

Burchett (R-TN-2) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “Once again ⁦@amnesty⁩ shows their true colors. ‘Absurd’: US rejects Amnesty accusation of Israeli apartheid against Palestinians | The Times of Israel”

Carey (R-OH-15) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “I strongly condemn the false and dangerous report from Amnesty International. Israel is a beacon of democracy, not an apartheid state. I am proud to stand with Israel and against antisemitic groups like @amnesty  Opinion | The ‘Apartheid’ Libel of Israel”

Cassidy (R-LA) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “This report from Amnesty International is the latest in a long line of propaganda attempting to demonize & delegitimize the Nation of Israel, undo the advances of peace in the region. Israel has made a commitment to peaceful relations with the Arab world. We should build on that. Link to press release”

Cassidy (R-LA) 02/02/2022: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Thank you @SenBillCassidy for your principled leadership and moral clarity in rightfully condemning @amnesty’s outrageous slander on our democratic ally Israel. Link to quoted tweet”

Cline (R-VA-6) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “In a rare moment of bipartisanship, both Democrats and Republicans condemn the false and defamatory report issued by Amnesty International accusing Israel of “apartheid.” At a time of increased anti-Semitic violence worldwide, this is shameful & dangerous. Bipartisan outrage directed at Amnesty International report accusing Israel of apartheid… | jns.org”

Costa (D-CA-16) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “I’m shocked to see this blatantly false report from Amnesty International and the ridiculous allegation accusing Israel of apartheid – this deeply damages peace efforts in the region. I stand firmly with our partner Israel. @amnesty: correct the record.Amnesty International report alleging ‘apartheid’ in Israel draws fierce criticism… | politico.eu”

Cuellar (D-TX-28) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Israel is not an apartheid state. Full stop. These inaccuracies incite antisemitic behavior against the Jewish people. Lies that incite violence, but do nothing to help the Palestinian people. Let’s work together, not tear each other down. Lapid attacks ‘delusional’ Amnesty UK ahead of report accusing Israel of apartheid… | timesofisrael.com”

Curtis (R-UT-3) 02/02/2022: Twitter thread – “I am saddened to see that Amnesty’s report targets the only Jewish state and a close American ally. One can only assume this report’s goal is to block the progress of normalization between Israel and Arab states. Opinion | The ‘Apartheid’ Libel of Israel Thankfully, the region is leaving this sort of hate in the past and it is time we did the same.”

Daines (R-MT) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Claims that Israel is an apartheid state are ignorant and biased at best and vile and antisemitic at worst. I’m proud to stand with Israel and the Jewish people. Amnesty International’s latest Israel smear | nypost.com”

Davidson (R-OH-8) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “I stand with Israel.  Those, like @amnesty, seeking to destabilize Israel are really targeting the necessary, historically Jewish homeland – some of the world’s most persecuted people. Opinion | The ‘Apartheid’ Libel of Israel via @WSJOpinion”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @browardpolitics – “.@RepTedDeutch condemns @Amnesty report on Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Since Israel’s founding “the world’s only Jewish state has faced no shortage of attacks…. This document recklessly paints the word ‘apartheid’ over the one true democracy in the Middle East.” Link to image”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 02/01/2022: Twitter thread – “Amnesty International labeled Israel an apartheid state in a report they issued earlier today.

Here’s my response: Since the founding of the modern State of Israel, the world’s only Jewish state has faced no shortage of attacks. This report is full of the same mischaracterizations, false accusations, & biased language that have been hurled at Israel & its advocates for decades. This document recklessly paints the word ‘apartheid’ over the one true democracy in the Middle East; a nation w/ the most diverse governing coalition in its history, & more respect for women’s rights, LGBTQI+ rights, & rights of marginalized communities than any in the region. A nation where Arab & Jewish Israelis serve side-by-side in the same governing coalition in the Knesset. Most shocking of all is that this report appears to question Israel’s founding in 1948 as a modern Jewish state, ignore Israel’s entire history, and even question the legitimacy of the state’s entire existence. As Israel expands & deepens its relations with nations in the region and beyond, these efforts to delegitimize the one Jewish state in the world will fail. Israel’s allies will not abandon our commitment to Israel’s security. And the U.S. will continue to stand w/ our ally.”

Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25) 02/01/2022: Twitter thread – “(1/3) AI has fully joined in the radical left’s myopic focus on Israel, a democratic country that respects human dignity & rule of law. This biased report will be celebrated by anti-Semitists & I fear that it’ll be used to justify future violence against the people of Israel. (2/3) Sadly, Amnesty International has chosen to inflame tensions in a tinder box & has unfairly targeted #Israel with reports more biting than its criticism of the regimes in Cuba, North Korea, and Communist China. (3/3) This report will do nothing to promote security or human rights in the Middle East and has irretrievably damaged Amnesty International’s credibility in the process.”

Fleischmann (R-TN-3) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “Amnesty’s report labeling Israel as an apartheid state is filled with blatant lies about Israel’s history and the challenges it faces from terrorism. I’m glad there’s been widespread bipartisan condemnation in Congress for this wrong and hateful report. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann Statement on Amnesty International’s Hateful and Distorted Report on Israel… | fleischmann.house.gov”

Fleischmann (R-TN-3) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “Let’s be clear: Israel is not an apartheid state. Amnesty International’s report slandering Israel is nothing more than lies about the history of Israel and the security challenges it faces every day from terrorism. Amnesty International’s report is disgusting and wrong.” Also see press release – Rep. Chuck Fleischmann Statement on Amnesty International’s Hateful and Distorted Report on Israel

Foxx (R-NC-5) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “The ignorance of Amnesty International’s report labeling Israel as an apartheid state is blinding. It should be condemned immediately. Always #StandWithIsrael!” Also see her 2/1/22 floor statement

Gimenez (R-FL-26) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Israel has a right to exist and the right to its self-determination, regardless of what anyone feels about it. I’m proud to stand with Israel and the Jewish people. Link to quoted tweet”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “At the Committee on Homeland Security hearing this week, I spoke w/ @JGreenblattADL about the biased @Amnesty report that seeks to brand Israel as an “apartheid” state & how that type of false rhetoric will lead to increased acts of hate & antisemitism. It is unacceptable. Link to video”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 02/01/2022: Twitter thread – “It’s completely unacceptable that @amnestyUK’s report seeks to brand Israel as an ‘apartheid state.’ 
It is a vile tactic used to delegitimize Israel that will only heighten antisemitism & hatred, while doing nothing to aid those suffering in the region. Lapid attacks ‘delusional’ Amnesty UK ahead of report accusing Israel of apartheid… | timesofisrael.com We must push back against this discriminatory and hateful report, and continue to stand strong with our key ally, Israel — the only democracy in the Middle East.”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 01/31/2022: Retweet of @JGreenblattADL – “This report goes beyond criticizing Israeli policies to painting its creation as a Jewish state as illegitimate & immoral. As we saw last May, unhinged rhetoric leads to unhinged actions; @amnesty must accept responsibility for the damage this will do to Jews around the world. Link to quoted tweet”

Graves (R-LA) 02/03/2022: Statement – Graves Statement on Incorrect Amnesty International Report [“…This report distorts the truth about Israel and draws back the progress made under the Trump Administration with the Abraham Accords…To call Israel an apartheid state is not only factually inaccurate, but the accusation also cheapens the experience of anyone who has lived under the horrors of authoritarianism and racial segregation.”]

Hassan (D-NH) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “Inaccurate claims about Israel do nothing to promote a two-state solution or move toward peace. I stand with our ally Israel and will continue to support the peace process and robust dialogue.”

Higgins (R-LA-3) 02/03/2022: Twitter thread – “The United States must always stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel. Amnesty International’s accusation that Israel is an “apartheid state” is a lie. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, and the only nation in the entire region where Arabs actually live free. I condemn Amnesty International for their willful attack against Israel.”

Hill (R-AR-2) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “I am disappointed in Amnesty International’s report condemning Israel and accusing the nation of apartheid. Israel is a strong ally of the US and I will continue to stand with nation in support of their efforts to bring peace to the region. RELEASE: Rep. French Hill Statement on Release of Amnesty International’s Anti-Israel Report… | hill.house.gov”

Hoyer (D-MD-5) 02/02/2022: Statement – Hoyer Statement on Amnesty International’s Distorted Report on Israel [“The recently released Amnesty International report is a gross mischaracterization of Israel, its history, and its values. The report repeats longstanding tropes and double standards that have dogged the world’s only Jewish state since its founding…At a time when Jews are facing a rise in violence and discrimination in our country and around the world, it is dangerous to be peddling and promoting the same fictions that have long been used to fuel hatred against Jews and against the Jewish state. Our Democratic House Majority will continue to stand with Israel and Jewish communities in efforts to end the spread of misinformation and the vilification of Israel and Jews.”] Also see Tweet.

Huizenga (R-MI-2) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “I am completely disgusted to see Amnesty International call Israel an “apartheid” state. Perhaps they should focus on real human rights abusers like China and not fuel the disturbing rise in anti-Semitism. I stand firmly with Israel against this libelous claim.  #standwithisrael”

Jeffries (D-NY) 2/4/2022: statement – “Israel is a democracy. It is not an apartheid state. Any conclusion to the contrary is demonstrably false, dangerous and designed to isolate Israel in one of the toughest neighborhoods in the world. The special relationship between the United States and Israel is anchored in our shared democratic values and geopolitical interests. I strongly support that special relationship, and look forward to redoubling efforts in the region to bring about a lasting two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel living side by side in peace and prosperity with a self-governed and demilitarized Palestinian state.”

Johnson (R-SD-0) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “Amnesty International’s recent report is another reminder of how deeply the roots of anti-Semitism run. Israel has the right to exist – and I stand with my Jewish friends against this hateful discrimination.”

Keller (R-PA-12) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “Israel is America’s strongest ally in the Middle East and the only democracy in the region. Israel is NOT an apartheid state. Link to quoted tweet”

Kustoff (R-TN-8) 02/01/2022: Twitter thread – “We must reject @amnesty’s biased report referring to Israel as an “apartheid” state. This outrageous lie & accusation denies the only Jewish state’s right to exist, distorts history, & further fuels hate. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East & shares our core values. Instead, @amnesty should focus on real human rights abusers like China, Iran, and North Korea. I promise to always stand firm with our greatest and strongest ally, the State of Israel.”

Kennedy (R-LA) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “The outrageous pandering to anti-Israel radicals must stop. Israel is America’s democratic ally, and Amnesty International’s slander is detached from history and reality. Opinion | The ‘Apartheid’ Libel of Israel”

Lamborn (R-CO-5) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, is not an apartheid state. I strongly condemn @amnesty’s inaccurate report, which seeks to delegitimize and demonize Israel. This report will further fuel anti-Semitism and endanger Jews across the world. Amnesty joins rights groups in accusing Israel of apartheid… | apnews.com”

Lankford (R-OK) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Instead of focusing on actual human rights violations from countries like China—Amnesty International instead has decided to go after Israel on claims they can’t even back up. #IstandwithIsrael Opinion | The ‘Apartheid’ Libel of Israel”; also posted on GETTR

Letlow (R-LA-5) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “As the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel and the United States have many shared values. This report labeling them as an apartheid state is not only biased, it is blatantly false. In Congress, I will always stand with Israel. Orthodox rabbis slam Amnesty International report on ‘apartheid’ Israel as ‘antisemitic’… | foxnews.com”

Long (R-MO-7) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @mikepompeo – “Israel is not an apartheid country. We must reject Amnesty International’s report.”

Long (R-MO-7) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “Dear Amnesty, Stop lying. Israel is NOT an apartheid state. #Shamnesty Link to video”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 02/01/2022: Twitter thread – “LR @RepMcCaul “Today, Amnesty International released a biased report on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict whose apparent thesis is that Israel does not have a right to exist as a Jewish state. “The report is intent on demonizing Israel while minimizing key facts such as the founding of the State of Israel after the Holocaust, the many rounds of attempted political negotiations, or the terrifying waves of violence against Israeli civilians. “False accusations and selective histories will not bring peace or a two-state solution.“”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Thank you @RepMcCaul for your principled leadership and moral clarity in rightfully condemning @amnesty’s outrageous slander on our democratic ally Israel. @HouseForeignGOP Link to quoted tweet”

McClain (R-MI-10) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “.@AmnestyUK is blatantly Anti-Semitic in their supposed “finding” of Israel as an “apartheid” state. This dangerous rhetoric will do nothing but fuel hate. I’m proud to stand with Israel against this hateful discrimination.”

Meeks (D-NY-5) 02/02/2022: Twitter thread – “The seemingly biased report issued yesterday by Amnesty International on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict only emboldens those who organize tirelessly to eliminate the Jewish State. Link to quoted tweet Several of the report’s policy recommendations, which include ending all US security assistance for Israel and promoting the “right of return” for Palestinian refugees, would threaten Israel’s existence. These aren’t only harmful policy recommendations, but Amnesty International appears to be going out of its way to lobby countries to end their support for Israel. I don’t support that, nor do the bulk of my constituents, nor does this Congress. We should not forget, American security assistance, for items such as the Iron Dome missile defense system, protects Jewish and Muslim lives alike. And the bulk of the aid is utilized to defend against foreign attack. Amnesty International plays an important role around the world, and civil society needs to be supported and nurtured. But it is clear that even the title of the report is intended to be more inflammatory than a report from Amnesty should aspire to be. The extensive #humanrights reporting about the plight of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza cannot be overlooked. Demolitions, settlement expansion, arbitrary detentions, harassment and other injustices can and must end. But, issuing such an inflammatory report – which makes no effort to explain the challenges Israel faces, or the history of the Jewish people – does not do justice in seeking real solutions to the conflict. As Chairman, I have traveled to Israel and the West Bank and have met with Israelis and Palestinians young and old, rich and poor. I have met Israel’s new government, as well as Palestinian Authority leadership. They both have an enormous amount of work to do. A two state solution is the only way to assure that both peoples are provided the freedom, security and justice they deserve. I think Amnesty International report, due to its purposefully inciteful nature, doesn’t help that effort.”

Meijer (R-MI-3) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “The lie of calling Israel an ‘apartheid state’ only further contributes to the hysterical demonization of Israel, and is especially galling at a time when violent antisemitism is on the rise. Shame on @amnesty. Opinion | The ‘Apartheid’ Libel of Israel”

Menendez (D-NJ) 2/1/22: Chairman Menendez Condemns Amnesty International’s Misguided Charges of Apartheid against Israel

Murkowski (R-AK) 02/02/2022: Twitter thread – “I stand firmly with Israel, one of America’s closest allies, against any attempt to label it an apartheid state. Link to quoted tweet Comparing the current divisions in Israel to the criminal conduct of South African apartheid is disingenuous to history, legitimizes violence and antisemitism, and emboldens terrorist organizations committed to the destruction of the Israeli state.”

Nadler (D-NY-10) 02/01/2022: Twitter thread – “I’m deeply disappointed in Amnesty International’s report. It relies on falsities and ignores key nuance to inaccurately accuse Israel of apartheid. This, unfortunately, overshadows its efforts to highlight the real and tragic injustices in the ongoing occupation. The report will only serve to reinforce entrenched positions. This key fact remains: Jewish and Palestinian people each have the right to self-determination & the right to peace and security.”

Peters (D-MI) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “As a liberal democracy, Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East. I’m proud to champion this relationship & making delegitimizing claims about Israel are not only outrageous & anti-Semitic—they are unhelpful towards a peaceful two-state solution.”

Portman (R-OH) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “The @amnesty report labeling #Israel an apartheid state should be condemned by all. This report is inflammatory and undermines efforts to achieve lasting peace and coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. Opinion | The ‘Apartheid’ Libel of Israel”

Reschenthaler (R-PA-14) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “.@amnesty’s new report essentially denounces Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, fueling antisemitism. They’re more interested in attacking our democratic ally than promoting human rights. I stand with Israel against this hateful discrimination.”

Rice (D-NY-4) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Promoting patently false claims against the world’s only Jewish state does not help the Palestinian people – and will only serve to incite antisemitism against Jews worldwide. #IstandwithIsrael The ‘Apartheid’ Libel of Israel – WSJ”

Risch (R-ID) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “To characterize #Israel as an apartheid state defies reality. Amnesty International’s report is outrageous & dangerously devoid of historical context. I strongly condemn anyone who questions Israel’s right to exist.”

Rodgers (R-WA-5) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “For decades, Israel has put freedom and democracy at the forefront — welcoming refugees and creating opportunity along the way. Labeling Israel an apartheid state is an outrageous attempt to undermine peace, and it must be met with strong condemnation. Opinion | The ‘Apartheid’ Libel of Israel”

Rogers (R-AL-3) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “A disgusting political ‘report’ from Amnesty International targeting Israel. I will always stand firm with our strongest ally Israel. Amnesty International should be ashamed. Opinion | The ‘Apartheid’ Libel of Israel”

Rogers (R-AL-3) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Thank you @RepMikeRogersAL for your principled leadership and moral clarity in rightfully condemning @amnesty’s outrageous slander on our democratic ally Israel. Link to quoted tweet”

Rosen (D-NV) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Continued attacks and wholly inaccurate claims about Israel are wrong and unhelpful to advancing a two-state solution. I will never waver in my support for Israel, a liberal democracy and America’s closest ally in the Middle East.”

Rubio (R-FL) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Claiming that #Israel is guilty of “apartheid” ignores reality and only seeks to delegitimize our strongest democratic ally in the Middle East. More attention should be given to the horrific human rights abuses committed by #Hamas and other terrorist groups in #Gaza. Link to quoted tweet”

Scalise (R-LA-1) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Amnesty International aligned with the anti-Semitic global left by calling Israel an apartheid state. It’s a LIE! Make no mistake: Amnesty is now joining groups like Hamas & Iran in attacking Israel as a Jewish state. Biden & Democrats must disavow this anti-Semitic action.” Also posted on GETTR

Scott (R-FL) 01/31/2022: Tweet – “If it wasn’t clear before, it should be now. @AmnestyUSA is not a human rights organization. They’re a group of radical leftists who perpetuate anti-semitic propaganda. Link to quoted tweet”

Slotkin (D-MI-8) 02/03/2022: Twitter thread – “I finally found a moment to read the Amnesty International report. Something tells me some who shot out posts right after it went live may not have read the 277 page report, or even the 25 page summary. 1/6 Here’s the thing: criticizing the Israeli Government’s treatment of the Palestinians is legitimate. I certainly have been critical, particularly of their treatment of the Palestinians in the West Bank. 2/6 As a former CIA and Pentagon official, I believe the failure to reach a negotiated settlement on the West Bank is a fundamental reason Israel continues to grapple with its security. 3/6 But to write a report that liberally uses the terms “apartheid”, “war crimes”, and “ethnic cleansing” without acknowledging why the State of Israel was founded as a Jewish state, the role of the U.N. in that founding… 4/6 …how the Jewish experience with genocide shaped policy, or especially the indiscriminate violence used by Hamas and other terrorist groups….it’s hard to read this as an objective report. 5/6 The Israeli government deserves criticism, but if the authors of this report want to actually move towards resolving this conflict, they should at least acknowledge some of the fundamentals that shape it. 6/6”

Smith (R-MO-8) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “.@AmnestyUK’s anti-Semitic and grossly inaccurate attack against Israel must be condemned. This slander endangers Jews around the world and emboldens those actively seeking to undermine one of America’s closest allies. Lapid attacks ‘delusional’ Amnesty UK ahead of report accusing Israel of apartheid… | timesofisrael.com”

Stabenow (D-MI) 02/02/2022: statement – Senator Stabenow Statement on Recent Anti-Israel Report [“Labeling Israel an apartheid state is a setback for peace and not consistent with U.S. policy. Israel is one of our strongest allies and this kind of rhetoric fosters anti-semitism and does nothing to move us forward in the peace process. I remain a strong supporter of Israel and am deeply committed to US policy that encourages the development of a two-state solution, in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and dignity.”]

Stefanik (R-NY-21) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “President Biden And Congressional Democrats MUST immediately disavow Amnesty International. Failure to do anything less will align them with terrorist groups like Hamas and Iran.”

Steube (R-FL-17) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “.@amnestyusa’s Anti-Semitic report labels Israel an “apartheid” state. These lies are part of a larger campaign to vilify the Middle East’s only real democracy & our greatest ally in the region. I stand with Israel against this hateful discrimination. Amnesty International report alleging ‘apartheid’ in Israel draws fierce criticism… | politico.eu”

Steube (R-FL-17) 02/02/2022: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Thank you @RepGregSteube for your principled leadership and moral clarity in rightfully condemning @amnesty’s outrageous slander on our democratic ally Israel. Link to quoted tweet”

Stevens (D-MI) 2/1/22: Rep. Haley Stevens Issues the Following Statement in Support of Israel [“Whether through the chronic bias displayed by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) or accusations put out by groups like Amnesty International, I stand opposed to efforts to unjustifiably brand Israel as an ‘apartheid state,’ and I will always work to mitigate the threat of delegitimization against our closest friends in the Middle East.”] Also see Tweet

Suozzi (D-NY-3) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “Once again, our ally Israel is having to defend itself against unjust and libelous attacks. My support for Israel is constant and unwavering. Link to quoted tweet”

Suozzi (D-NY-3) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “It is a constant battle to defend our great ally Israel against unjust attacks. Link to quoted tweet”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “The shockingly baseless report from @amnestyUK accuses Israel of “apartheid.” This is part of a larger campaign to vilify Israel, the Middle East’s only democracy and a close American ally. America stands with Israel against this discriminatory and hateful report.”

Titus (D-NV-1) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “The U.S. has never considered Israel an apartheid state. To suggest otherwise downplays the true suffering in South Africa while fanning the flames of Antisemitism. The Amnesty International report does both instead of fostering constructive dialogue.”

Torres (D-NY-15) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Calling Israel an apartheid state, as @amnesty has done, is a lie. The hysterical demonization of Israel will do nothing to alleviate Palestinian suffering. It will only incite hatred for the world’s largest Jewish community amid violent Antisemitism. Lapid attacks ‘delusional’ Amnesty UK ahead of report accusing Israel of apartheid… | timesofisrael.com”

Upton (R-MI-6) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Israel is not an apartheid state. @amnestyUK’s sham report snubs the only vibrant, multi-ethnic democracy in the Middle East while they continually ignore actual human rights abuses in North Korea, China, and Iran. Amnesty is charging Israeli apartheid to erase Jewish state – NGO claims”

Van Drew (R-NJ-2) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “Today [sic] @amnesty released a biased report which falsely claimed Israel is an “apartheid” state. We must dismiss this skewed report, as it will only incite antisemitism and hatred towards the only democracy in the Middle East that share American values.”

Walberg (R-MI-7) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Israel is not an apartheid state as @amnesty claims, and this baseless report should be widely condemned. Such demonization of Israel will exacerbate hateful acts of anti-Semitism that are already on the rise. America stands with our close ally Israel. Opinion | The ‘Apartheid’ Libel of Israel”

Wilson (R-SC-2) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Appalled by the latest libelous attacks on our democratic ally by @amnesty. Israel is in no way, shape, or form an apartheid state. These lies peddled by @amnesty do nothing but incite hatred, antisemitism, and violence. The US continues to stand with Israel today and always.”

Young (R-IN) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “Rather than hold Israel to a gross double standard, @amnestyUK should focus on the bad behavior of real human rights abusers, like China. Amnesty is charging Israeli apartheid to erase Jewish state – NGO claims”

Zeldin (R-NY) 2/1/22: Rep. Zeldin Blasts Amnesty International for Falsely Accusing Israel of Apartheid and Making Other Slanderous Claims

Zeldin (R-NY-1) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @mikepompeo – “Israel is not an apartheid country. We must reject Amnesty International’s report.”

Zeldin (R-NY-1) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Israel is a shining beacon of liberty in the Middle East & faces relentless attacks on its right to exist. Amnesty International just published a sham report falsely accusing Israel of apartheid. All @amnesty is accomplishing is promoting dangerous antisemitic, dishonest garbage.”

Zeldin (R-NY-1) 02/01/2022 (GETTR): “Israel is a shining beacon of freedom and liberty in the Middle East and has consistently suffered attacks on its right to exist since its founding in 1948. The so-called “human rights organization” Amnesty International just published a sham report falsely accusing Israel of apartheid and other human rights abuses. All that Amnesty International is accomplishing here is further fanning the flames of antisemitism and encouraging more dangerous attacks on Israel and its citizens.”

Also see:

 

3.Hearings & Markups

February 9: The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing entitled, ‘Targeted Killing’ and the Rule of Law: The Legal and Human Costs of 20 Years of U.S. Drone Strikes. No details of witnesses have been posted as of this writing.

February 9: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a CLOSED briefing entitled, Iran: Update on Vienna Discussions. The sole briefer scheduled to appear is the State Department’s Special Envoy for Iran, Rob Malley [note: this past week, SFRC chair Menendez delivered a scathing (and nearly hour-long) floor speech attacking the Biden Administration’s Iran diplomacy — see links in Section 4, below) Also see: GOP Demands Biden Iran Envoy Testify Before Congress (Free Beacon)

February 4: The House Foreign Affairs Committee was scheduled to hold a briefing entitled, Addressing the Threat of a Nuclear Iran – the event was subsequently “postponed until further notice.” Scheduled panelists were: Jane Harman (Wilson Center), Jon Wolfsthal (Global Zero – who posted a thread on Twitter summarizing his observations/conclusions), Elisa Catalano Ewers (CNAS), and Eric Brewer (Nuclear Threat Initiative).

February 2: The House Homeland Security Committee held a hearing entitled, The Dynamic Terrorism Landscape and What it Means for America. Witnesses were: Nicholas Rasmussen, Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (statement); Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL (statement); Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, American University (statement); and Bill Roggio, FDD (statement – including significant focus on Iran). Video is here.

 

4. On the Record

Elections

Jewish News Syndicate 2/4/22: Clash between Michigan Reps. Levin, Stevens microcosm of Democrat split on Israel

Jewish Insider 2/3/22: With a target on her back, Carolyn Maloney gets lift from new map

Jewish News Syndicate 2/3/33: Pro-Israel Democrats tout record on supporting Jewish state, urge funding for Iron Dome

Daily Beast 2/2/22: Congresswoman’s Bribery Scandal Takes Shocking New Turn [Newman, D-IL]

Jewish Insider 2/1/22: Ritchie Torres to pick up Riverdale in latest redistricting

Jewish Insider 2/1/22: Running against DSA member, Texas’s Eddie Rodriguez pitches himself as a ‘progressive that actually makes progress’

Jewish Insider 2/1/22: In Texas 35, Greg Casar outlines his approach on Israel and the Palestinians

Jewish News Syndicate 1/31/22: Pro-Israel Democrat PAC announces first slate of 2022 endorsements

Jewish Insider 1/31/22: DMFI PAC announces first slate of House endorsements

Also see tweets crowing about DMFI endorsements & celebrating DMFI, from Titus (D-NV-1), Luria (D-VA-2), Titus (D-NV-1), Auchincloss (D-MA-4), Stevens (D-MI-11), Stevens (D-MI-11), Trone (D-MD-6)

Jewish Insider 1/31/22: Stevens [challenging Andy Levin, see below]  aims for $300,000 in fundraiser with Jewish supporters

JTA 1/30/22: Former AIPAC president calls Jewish rep Andy Levin the ‘most corrosive’ on Israel

 

Palestinian-American Killed by Israel

Pocan (D-WI) 02/04/2022: Tweet – “We need answers to why a US citizen died at an Israeli military checkpoint.” Linked to Tweet from J Street – STATEMENT: J Street is calling on the US government to open an investigation into the death of Omar Assad, a 78-year-old Palestinian-American who died after being stopped at an Israeli military checkpoint last month.”

García (D-IL-4) 02/02/2022: Twitter thread – “Israeli soldiers’ cruel treatment of US citizen Omar Assad was inhumane—they abused him, then left him to die in the cold without medical attention. I join Omar’s family, @SenBaldwin, and @RepGwenMoore in demanding an independent US investigation and Israeli accountability. Link to quoted tweet Though Israel has acknowledged the officers’ misconduct, the system that allowed this to happen remains firmly in place. Would there have been any action taken had this not received international attention from Congress and the media? Israel punishes officers in death of Palestinian-American | AP News Real accountability doesn’t just come when it’s convenient. I hope this serves as a wake-up call about the system that allowed this to take place.”

Castro (D-TX-20) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @BarakRavid – “BREAKING: State Department spokesman Ned Price says the Biden administration expects a thorough criminal investigation and full accountability in the case of Omar Assad a U.S. citizen who was found dead after Israeli soldiers detained him in the West Bank”

 

Normalization!

Schneider (D-IL-10) 01/31/2022: Twitter thread – “Israeli President Isaac Herzog made an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, including talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Hatikvah was played, and President Herzog aptly noted “that’s what peace between nations sounds like.” Link to quoted tweet Congress should swiftly pass the Israel Relations Normalization Act to support the Abraham Accords and help bring more sounds of peace to all the nations, and the peoples in the region.”

Schneider (D-IL-10) 01/31/2022: Retweet of @RepSchneider – “Congress should swiftly pass the Israel Relations Normalization Act to support the Abraham Accords and help bring more sounds of peace to all the nations, and the peoples in the region.”

Long (R-MO-7) 01/31/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “Meanwhile in the United Arab Emirates.  The flag of Israel at the exhibition Dubai Expo. Who would have imagined. #Expo2020 Link to video”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 01/30/2022: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Incredible! Israel’s national anthem plays in the UAE National Palace as ⁦Israeli President @Isaac_Herzog⁩ is welcomed by Crown Prince ⁦@MohamedBinZayed⁩. The Abraham Accords have ushered in #ANewEra of peace and progress in the Middle East. Link to video”

Schneider (D-IL-10) 01/30/2022: Retweet of @Isaac_Herzog – “Israel’s national anthem, HaTikvah, playing in the United Arab Emirates—that’s what peace between nations sounds like. Link to video”

Long (R-MO-7) 01/30/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “WOW! Israel’s national anthem ‘HaTikva’ played in the United Arab Emirates as Israel’s President Isaac Herzog is visiting Abu Dhabi. Link to video”

 

Targeting the UN 

Jewish News Syndicate 2/1/22: Centrist Democratic lawmakers denounce UN investigation targeting Israel

(Stevens (D-MI) 2/1/22: Rep. Haley Stevens Issues the Following Statement in Support of Israel [“Whether through the chronic bias displayed by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) or accusations put out by groups like Amnesty International, I stand opposed to efforts to unjustifiably brand Israel as an ‘apartheid state,’ and I will always work to mitigate the threat of delegitimization against our closest friends in the Middle East.”]

McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) 2/1/22: press release – Combating Anti-Israel Bias at the UN (re letter covered in last week’s Round-Up)

Stevens (D-MI-11) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “I’m eagerly working with my colleagues and the Administration to end this biased COI. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the UN needs to end it’s unfair treatment of the Jewish state. Link to quoted tweet”

Schneider (D-IL-10) 02/01/2022: Twitter thread – “I am deeply disappointed and frustrated by the recent UN General Assembly vote to approve resources for an unprecedented, open-ended Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate Israel. Centrist Democrats blast UN for probe into May Gaza war… | timesofisrael.com Together with my colleagues @RepTedDeutch @RepDWStweets @RepKManning @RepElaineLuria @RepJoshG @RepDeanPhillips @RepLoisFrankel, we are pushing back against another attempt by the UN to unjustifiably target Israel. Set up in May 2021 just days after the conflict with Hamas, the COI ignores Hamas’ terror activities preceding and during the May conflict, and instead attempts to discredit Israel by focusing on “root causes” of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This is unquestionably just another attempt by the United Nations Human Rights Council to unjustifiably target Israel. The Biden Administration has rightly stood with our ally Israel, opposed this COI, and worked to minimize its impact. However, we must not stop there. We look forward to working with the Admin to end this one-sided COI and reform the Human Rights Council, including through the institution of membership standards and the removal of the standing agenda item on Israel, the only country-specific agenda item. It is long-past time for the United Nations to end its long-standing bias against Israel.”

Rice (D-NY-4) 01/31/2022: Tweet – “The U.N. Human Right’s Council’s discriminatory treatment of Israel must end. I joined @Repjoshg, @rephartzler, and 39 of my fellow lawmakers in a letter to end the biased Commission of Inquiry and support our ally Israel. Link to quoted tweet”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 01/31/2022: Twitter thread – “As the @UN_HRC is set to begin their session next month, it is more important than ever for the United States to stand by our vital ally, Israel — the democracy in the region. Bipartisan group urge secretary of state to defund United Nations committee of inquiry on Israel – WRNJ Radio That is why I am leading a bipartisan call for @SecBlinken to defund the COI in the UN, and ensure that false claims to brand Israel as an apartheid state are stopped.”

Steube (R-FL-17) 01/28/2022: Tweet – “The United Nations Human Rights Council creating a “Commission of Inquiry” against the State of Israel is anti-Israel & anti-Semitic My colleagues & I sent a letter to the UN Ambassador expressing our concerns about their latest attempt to delegitimize one of our greatest allies Link to image”

 

Israel – Palestine (general)

Lieu (D-CA-33) 02/04/2022: Retweet of @POGOwatchdog – “A whistleblower alleges surveillance firm NSO Group offered a California security services company “bags of cash” in exchange for access to global cell networks. @RepTedLieu asked the DOJ to investigate NSO’s “fishy” behavior NSO offered ‘bags of cash’ for access to U.S. cell networks, whistleblower claims… | washingtonpost.com”

Long (R-MO-7) 02/03/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “The amazing Sea of Galilee #Israel Link to image”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “Had a great time joining @JasonKoppel at @AIPAC last week to discuss my strong support for the critical U.S.-Israel relationship. Check out our conversation.  Link to quoted tweet”

Lieu (D-CA-33) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @washingtonpost – “Surveillance firm behind Pegasus spyware offered ‘bags of cash’ for access to global cellular networks, whistleblower claims NSO offered ‘bags of cash’ for access to U.S. cell networks, whistleblower claims… | washingtonpost.com”

Lieu (D-CA-33) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “The NSO Group, which sells phone hacking software, tried to gain access to cellular networks by offering “bags of cash” according to a whistleblower. I made a criminal referral to @TheJusticeDept. And with the #SS7 security flaw in cell networks, no one’s phone is safe. Link to quoted tweet”

Lamborn (R-CO-5) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Fantastic news out of Israel. This defensive weapons system will allow Israel to protect herself and her citizens. I will continue to support Israel and advocate for their missile defense, including Iron Beam. IDF to start using laser air defense within a year – Bennett”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 02/02/2022: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Surely then you’ll vote YES on foreign aid & Iron Dome to Israel, our strategic ally & the only democracy in the Middle East, which shares our interests & values, pursues peace & regional stability, helps protect US soldiers, and is a crucial partner for 21st century challenges. Link to quoted tweet” (taking a shot at Rep. Tlaib, D-MI)

Gottheimer (D-NJ) 2/2/22: Video interview with AIPAC [see AIPAC tweet ; “Some folks on the far left try to put conditions on aid to Israel…which by the way would put the U.S. in harm’s way. Israel is a key ally in our fight against terror.“ – @RepJoshG  Watch our full conversation with Rep. Gottheimer today at 1 p.m. ET: app.aipac.org/gottheimer”

Lieu (D-CA-33) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @washingtonpost – “Surveillance firm behind Pegasus spyware offered ‘bags of cash’ for access to global cellular networks, whistleblower claims Whistleblower claims NSO offered ‘bags of cash’ for access to cellphone network – The Washington Post”

Long (R-MO-7) 01/31/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “Mazal Tov! Osila Abu Assad became the first Arab judge in a district court. Tell me more about Israel being an apartheid state. #Israel Link to image”

Levin (D-MI-9) 02/01/2022: Twitter thread – “I’ve come to know Andy as a strong, informed voice for human rights, environmental protections and pragmatic solutions to climate challenges. I admire him as a courageous Jewish leader committed to protecting Israel’s future by respecting the rights of Jews and non-Jews alike.” Link to image “Congress needs leaders like Andy Levin who have the courage to speak effectively to the most difficult-to-solve challenges.” -Lana Pollack, Former Chair, International Joint Commission”

Cornyn (R-TX) 01/29/2022: Tweet – “Real question is: what will Israel do?”  Link to quoted tweet re Iran talks

Long (R-MO-7) 01/29/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “India and Israel celebrate 30 years together!  The iconic Masada fortress in Israel, Gateway of India in Mumbai and Teen Murti Chowk in New Delhi lit up in honor of this. #IndiaIsraelAt30 Link to image”

Long (R-MO-7) 01/30/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “Long live Biafra Long live Israel Link to image”

Roy (R-TX-21) 01/30/2022: Tweet – “Is there a more gutless and cowardly display than a tyrant on the run? #DeportTrudeau” Link to quoted tweet from “Terror Alarm” reporting – “#Urgent: Justin #Trudeau moved to A safe place in the US according to Israeli sources, as Canada protests spark security fears.”

Steube (R-FL-17) 01/30/2022: Tweet – “Just a reminder: President Biden praised Far-Left Members of Congress for their “passion” after they called Israel a “terrorist” and “apartheid” state. Link to image”

Tiffany (R-WI-7) 01/30/2022: Tweet – “Welcome to Florida Mr Prime Minister. You will be among friends!” Link to quoted tweet from “Terror Alarm” reporing – “#Urgent: Justin #Trudeau moved to A safe place in the US according to Israeli sources, as Canada protests spark security fears.”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 01/28/2022: Tweet – “The new Honduran leadership have a bad record of saying anti-Semitic tropes […] the Vice President should make clear to the new Honduran leaders that America finds anti-Semitism repugnant and that Israel is our close ally.” Kamala meets new anti-Semitism stained leader of Honduras today on Holocaust Memorial Day – The Florida Post”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 01/28/2022: Tweet – “We must ensure that we’re continuing to provide necessary aid to our key ally in the Middle East, Israel, for their critical Iron Dome defense system. Israel’s security is essential to America’s national security & essential in the fight against terror. Ahead of government funding deadline, House members push for Iron Dome supplement… | jewishinsider.com”

 

Syria

Statements/press releases on the Biden Admin killing of ISIS leader in northwestern Syria (some applauding the op while also bashing Biden Admin): Pelosi (D-CA), Hoyer (D-MD), Rosen (D-NV), Ernst (R-IA), Sherrill (D-NJ), Rubio (R-FL), Meeks (D-NY), McCollum (D-MN), Ruppersberg (D-MD), Gallagher (R-WI), O’Halleran (D-AZ), Waltz (R-FL), Young (R-AK), McCaul (R-TX), Thompson (D-MS)

Tweets on the Biden Admin killing of ISIS leader in northwestern Syria (some applauding the op while also bashing Biden Admin):  Adams (D-NC-12), Allred (D-TX-32), Bacon (R-NE-2), Baldwin (D-WI), Boyle (D-PA-2), Brown (D-MD-4), Burchett (R-TN-2), Castro (D-TX-20), Cheney (R-WY-0), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Curtis (R-UT-3), Davidson (R-OH-8) , Deutch (D-FL-22), Duckworth (D-IL), Durbin (D-IL), Ernst (R-IA), Fischer (R-NE), Fortenberry (R-NE-1), Foster (D-IL-11), Frankel (D-FL-21), Gallagher (R-WI-8), Gallego (D-AZ-7), Gottheimer (D-NJ-5), Graham (R-SC), Green (R-TN-7), Hassan (D-NH), Hawley (R-MO), Hill (R-AR-2), Hinson (R-IA-1), Hirono (D-HI), Hoyer (D-MD-5), Inhofe (R-OK), Jacobs (D-CA-53), Joyce (R-PA-13), Katko (R-NY-24), Kelly (D-AZ), Kildee (D-MI-5), Kim (D-NJ-3), King (I-ME), Kinzinger (R-IL-16), Lee (D-NV-3), Levin (D-CA-49), Lieu (D-CA-33), Lieu (D-CA-33), Long (R-MO-7), Long (R-MO-7), Long (R-MO-7), Long (R-MO-7), Long (R-MO-7), Luria (D-VA-2), Maloney (D-NY-18), Mast (R-FL-18), McCaul (R-TX-10) , McCaul (R-TX-10), McClain (R-MI-10), McClain (R-MI-10- on GETTR), McCollum (D-MN-4), Meeks (D-NY-5), Menendez (D-NJ), Murphy (R-NC-3), Murphy (D-FL-7), Omar (D-MN-5), Padilla (D-CA), Pelosi (D-CA-12), Peters (D-CA-52), Portman (R-OH), Rosen (D-NV), Rubio (R-FL), Ruppersberger (D-MD-2), Schiff (D-CA-28), Schumer (D-NY), Scott (R-GA-8), Shaheen (D-NH), Sherrill (D-NJ-11), Spanberger (D-VA-7), Smith (D-WA-9), Soto (D-FL-9), Spanberger (D-VA-7), Stanton (D-AZ-9), Stefanik (R-NY-21), Swalwell (D-CA-15), Thompson (D-MS-2), Toomey (R-PA), Torres (D-CA-35), Trahan (D-MA-3), Waltz (R-FL-6), Waltz (R-FL-6), Warner (D-VA), Wicker (R-MS), Williams (R-TX-25), Wilson (D-FL-24), Womack (R-AR-3), Young (R-AK-0)

Tweeting on the reported apprehension of 5 Syrian men on the US-Mexico border (or using that news as the hook for a tweet on borders/immigration/security): : Bishop (R-NC-9), Hawley (R-MO), Herrell (R-NM-2), Lankford (R-OK), Pfluger (R-TX-11), Blackburn (R-TN), Ernst (R-IA), Green (R-TN-7), Kennedy (R-LA), Long (R-MO-7), Roy (R-TX-21), Bacon (R-NE-2), Biggs (R-AZ-5), Long (R-MO-7), Nehls (R-TX-22), Bishop (R-NC-9), Cornyn (R-TX), Roy (R-TX-21), Long (R-MO-7), Murphy (D-CT)

 

Lebanon

Menendez (D-NJ) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “One year ago today @LokmanSlim was reported missing by his family. The next day, he was found murdered. It is unacceptable that his killers remain unidentified and on the loose. The Lebanese government must proceed with a timely and credible investigation into his killing. Link to quoted tweet”

 

Iran-US diplomacy

Cardin (D-MD) 02/04/2022: Twitter thread – “I agree w/@SenatorMenendez when he says: “I believe there is space for a deal with #Iran. And I believe that one that garners bipartisan support would be the best guarantor of the political longevity the Iranians insist they want.” Chairman Menendez: We Cannot Allow Iran to Threaten Us into a Bad Deal or an Interim Agreement that Allows it to Continue Building its Nuclear Capacity | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Yes, “Our goal must be the right deal [with #Iran], not just any deal. We must not again agree to an arrangement that merely delays the inevitable.” More wise words from @SenatorMenendez, “If Iran were willing to make greater concessions on halting uranium enrichment, destroying nuclear infrastructure, and seriously constraining its ballistic missile program, the US… should consider lifting a broader scope of sanctions.“

Cornyn (R-TX) 02/04/2022: Tweet – “Biden continues caving: The U.S. expects a restored nuclear deal would leave Iran capable of amassing enough fuel for a bomb in a shorter time frame than the one that underpinned the 2015 agreement, U.S. officials familiar with the matter said U.S. Sees Iran’s Nuclear Program as Too Advanced to Restore Key Goal of 2015 Pact – WSJ via @WSJ”

Fallon (R-TX-4) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “This Administration is preparing to give the Iranian Regime billions of dollars in sanctions relief. No more concessions – these negotiations must stop IMMEDIATELY. Link to quoted tweet”

Hagerty (R-TN) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “The 2015 Iran nuclear deal was a disaster. But the Biden Admin is reportedly now looking at a worse deal w/ Iran. A Senate-confirmed official should be negotiating a matter this significant. As before, any deal that isn’t ratified by the Senate won’t last.U.S. Sees Iran’s Nuclear Program as Too Advanced to Restore Key Goal of 2015 Pact – WSJ”

McConnell (R-KY) 2/3/22: Floor statement on Iran (incl re: UAE, Israel, & bashing nuclear talks)

McConnell (R-KY) 02/03/2022: Twitter thread – “.@LeaderMcConnell: “It’s Not Too Late” For Democrats to Increase Pressure on Iran and Respond Forcefully “It’s Not Too Late” For Democrats to Increase Pressure on Iran and Respond Forcefully – Press Releases – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell Video: “It’s Not Too Late” For Democrats to Increase Pressure on Iran and Respond Forcefully – YouTube The failure to respond forcefully to Iranian-backed attacks against US forces in the region has eroded our deterrence and dramatically increased the risk to US personnel.”

Ernst (R-IA) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “The negotiation must stop now. U.S. Sees Iran’s Nuclear Program as Too Advanced to Restore Key Goal of 2015 Pact – WSJ”

Fallon (R-TX-4) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “If you don’t think Xi Jinping is watching our every move in Eastern Europe and and listening to every word we say at negotiating table w/ Iran – you’re fooling yourself.”

Scott (R-FL) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “Joe Biden needs to wake up & walk away from his dangerous attempts to re-enter the failed Iran deal that will do nothing to protect our national security & our allies like Israel. It’s time for Biden to stand up to our adversaries & put American interests first. Link to quoted tweet”

Ernst (R-IA) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “President Biden’s failure to enforce mandatory sanctions on Iranian oil tankers is putting U.S. national security at risk. I’m pressing @POTUS to stop violating the law & take action. Ernst leads charge for Iranian sanctions to be enforced… | kelo.com”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “LR @RepMcCaul: “It is unsettling that the Biden administration continues permitting Iran and Venezuela to defy U.S. sanctions with impunity. I once again call on @POTUS to stop emboldening these regimes and crack down on this by enforcing our sanctions.” Iranian supertanker carrying condensate docks in Venezuela… | abcn.ws”

Frankel (D-FL-21) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “The Iranian nuclear threat is real & has grown disproportionately worse day by day. It is becoming a clear & present danger.” @SenatorMenendez is right, our goal must be the right deal, not just any deal. A nuclear Iran is a danger to the Middle East, the U.S., & the world. Link to quoted tweet”

Khanna (D-CA-17) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “Glad to see the extraordinary progress our diplomats have made under the able leadership of @USEnvoyIran. The #IranDeal blocked Iran’s pathways to a bomb. By withdrawing Trump put us on a path toward war, and now it’s time to re-enter the #JCPOA and #LetDiplomacyWork”

Menendez (D-NJ) 2/1/22: 59-minute Floor speech – Chairman Menendez: We Cannot Allow Iran to Threaten Us into a Bad Deal or an Interim Agreement that Allows it to Continue Building its Nuclear Capacity (text & video). Also see Menendez tweets teasing the floor speech and urging people to tune in – here, here, here (including link to livestream on YouTube). Also see: Menendez raises concerns over Biden’s strategy on Iran nuclear talks (Jewish News Syndicate); Top Democrat questions efforts to revive Iran nuke deal, signaling trouble for Biden (Times of Israel); In floor speech, Menendez blasts Biden administration’s Vienna negotiations (Jewish Insider); Top Senate foreign relations Democrat Robert Menendez signals trouble for Biden’s Iran plans (JTA); Senator Menendez is on the Iran warpath, again (Responsible Statecraft)

Wicker (R-MS) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “The last thing the U.S. needs is a new Iran Deal. Our focus should be on punishing Iran’s malign behavior and ensuring that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon. U.S. and Allies Close to Reviving Nuclear Deal With Iran, Officials Say – The New York Times”

Burchett (R-TN-2) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “A very dangerous move. Iran moves centrifuge-parts production out of disputed workshop, IAEA says… | yahoo.com”

Murphy (D-CT) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “The United States got nothing from Trump’s “maximum pressure” sanctions on Iran. In fact, things got worse. More attacks on U.S. forces. Bigger nuclear program. We should be ready to release those sanctions in exchange for Iran coming back into compliance with the deal.”

Murphy (D-CT) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @vali_nasr – “Leaving JCPOA and in favor of maximum pressure on #Iran has proved to be a strategic mistake of monumental proportions for US and those who undermined #JCPOA and encouraged US to leave Link to quoted tweet”

Cornyn (R-TX) 01/29/2022: Tweet – “No “agreement” will be binding absent ratification by the Senate U.S. Senate: Advice & Consent | senate.gov Iran nuclear talks enter ‘final stage’ – POLITICO Iran nuclear talks enter ‘final stage’ – POLITICO | politico.eu”

Cruz (R-TX) 01/28/2022: Tweet – “Biden’s approach to Ukraine typifies the mix of incoherence and weakness that has come to embody the foreign policy of his entire administration, at incalculable cost to the national security of the United States and our allies. Link to quoted tweet”

 

Iran – general (incl UAE/Houthis/Yemen)

Murphy (D-CT) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “Designating the Houthis as a terrorist organization” sounds better than “an American blockade of food imports to Yemen to intentionally cause mass civilian starvation”. But FYI under U.S. law they are the same thing.”

Waltz (R-FL-6) 02/03/2022: Retweet of @alexbward – “New #NatSecDaily: – SCOOP: ⁦@sethmoulton⁩ & ⁦@michaelgwaltz⁩ write letter to urge Biden to redesignate Houthis as FTO – SCOOP: ⁦@HFXforum⁩ to start anti-China campaign during Olympics – ⁦@SenHawleyPress⁩ chats about Ukraine views U.S. alleges Russia weighing fake video as pretext for war- POLITICO | politico.com”

Waltz (R-FL-6) 02/03/2022: Retweet of @JasonMBrodsky – “Bipartisan support emerging to re-designate the #Iran-backed #Houthis as an FTO. @RepMoulton and @michaelgwaltz are teaming up for the push. #Houthi_is_Terrorist_Group. U.S. alleges Russia weighing fake video as pretext for war- POLITICO | politico.com”

Murphy (D-CT) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “I will be live with @OxfamAmerica’s @ScottTPaul and @hrw’s @Afrahnasser to discuss this devastating conflict and how re-designating the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization would only make things worse. Link to image”

Murphy (D-CT) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “Tune in as @OxfamAmerica’s @ScottTPaul, @hrw’s @Afrahnasser, and I discuss the humanitarian crisis in Yemen – and why re-designating the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization would set things back. Chris Murphy… | twitter.com”

Murphy (D-CT) 02/02/2022: Retweet of @Afrahnasser – “Many thanks to Sen. @ChrisMurphyCT & my friend @ScottTPaul !  #yemen Link to quoted tweet”

Murphy (D-CT) 02/02/2022: Retweet of @ScottTPaul – “I so appreciate @ChrisMurphyCT’s ongoing dedication to Yemen – and making sure the interests of Yemenis in crisis, rather than those of powerful Gulf allies, are at the heart of US policy. Link to quoted tweet”

Omar (D-MN-5) 02/02/2022: Twitter thread – “The Administration must follow through on their promise and work to end our involvement in the war in Yemen once and for all. Rep. Omar’s statement: Rep. Omar’s Statement on U.S. Involvement in Yemen… | omar.house.gov   Link to image “It’s shameful this Administration is continuing our involvement in the Yemen conflict with military assistance. Nearly a year ago, President Biden promised to end our involvement in Yemen.” “This is a dereliction of what this Administration campaigned on, and out of step with a foreign policy agenda rooted in human rights and peace. The Administration must follow through on their promise and work to end our involvement in the war once and for all.”

Omar (D-MN-5) 02/02/2022: Retweet of @Ilhan – “It’s shameful this Administration is continuing our involvement in the Yemen conflict with military assistance. Nearly a year ago, President Biden promised to end our involvement in Yemen.“

Wilson (R-SC-2) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “I support @StateDept providing Rewards for Justice to anyone w/ information on Iran’s interference in our elections. The Senate must pass my bill HR 1036, which would expand this program to authorize rewards for those w/ info on sanctions violators. Rewards for Justice – Reward Offer for Information on Iranian Cyber Actors’ Interference with 2020 U.S. Presidential Election – United States Department of State”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “I was thrilled to see former Iran hostage @ZakkaNA yesterday & welcome him as a new American citizen. The US must work to deter Iran’s despicable practice of hostage taking & I remain committed to ensuring all those Americans wrongfully detained abroad are brought home. Link to quoted tweet”

Omar (D-MN) 2/2/2022: Statement – Rep. Omar’s Statement on U.S. Involvement in Yemen [“It’s shameful this Administration is continuing our involvement in the Yemen conflict with military assistance. Nearly a year ago, President Biden promised to end our involvement in Yemen. This is a dereliction of what this Administration campaigned on, and out of step with a foreign policy agenda rooted in human rights and peace. The Administration must follow through on their promise and work to end our involvement in the war once and for all.”]

Murphy (D-CT) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @Afrahnasser – “Tomorrow, I’ll join Senator @ChrisMurphyCT & @Oxfam’s @ScottTPaul to discuss the conflict & the humanitarian situation in #Yemen. Tune in tomorrow via Sen. Murphy’s fb page: Chris Murphy… | facebook.com   Link to image”

Murphy (D-CT) 02/01/2022: Retweet of @OxfamAmerica – “Join us for a conversation on the crisis in Yemen. Tomorrow at 3:30pm ET, tune in as Senator @ChrisMurphyCT hosts Oxfam’s @ScottTPaul, and @hrw’s @Afrahnasser to discuss the humanitarian situation in #Yemen and what is needed to reach peace. #YemenCantWait Link to image”

Cornyn (R-TX) 02/01/2022: Twitter thread – “I believe we have a responsibility to stand with Ukraine and help its people defend its sovereignty and its democracy.   My bill to help provide weapons and cyber defense resources to Ukraine will help the U.S. step up to the challenge.   Cornyn Lend-Lease Bill Will Aid Ukraine in the Face of Russian Invasion – YouTube If Russia invades Ukraine and we do nothing, our enemies including China & Iran will know that America will back down from our commitments when confronted by a bully, & our allies will know we cannot be trusted.   The eyes of the world are on America’s action in Ukraine.”

Sherman (D-CA-30) 02/02/2022: Tweet – “Iran executes 2 gay men over sodomy charges, rights group says… | nbcnews.com”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 01/30/2022: Retweet of @AIPAC – “The United States should condemn Iran’s human rights abuses and stand with the Iranian people opposed to this oppressive regime. Link to quoted tweet”

Green (R-TN-7) 01/31/2022: Tweet – “These ongoing attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists are deeply concerning. This comes as North Korea confirmed its intermediate-range ballistic missile is capable of reaching Guam. Despots around the globe are testing the waters. Link to quoted tweet”

Steube (R-FL-17) 01/31/2022: Tweet – “Terrorists are not interested in diplomatic solutions. We must stand strong against our adversaries and re-designate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization. My colleagues and I sent a letter to Secretary Blinken urging this reversal. Link to image” [details in last week’s Round-Up]

Cruz (R-TX) 01/30/2022: Tweet – “Then why did the Biden admin lift sanctions & delist them as terrorists? Link to quoted tweet”

Cornyn (R-TX) 01/30/2022: Retweet of @Norman_Roule – “The Iran-sponsored Houthi attacks against the international community in the UAE underscore the hard reality that lifting of sanctions against Iran will provide resources to the elements behind these attacks.”

Hagerty (R-TN) 01/29/2022: Tweet – “When Biden used the words ‘minor incursion’ last week in his press conference, I’m sure Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, & the Ayatollah in Iran cracked open their dictionary to find out exactly what that meant they could get away with. This is exactly the wrong type of signal to send.”

Omar (D-MN-5) 01/29/2022: Retweet of @kombiz – “Wow, @IlhanMN has a bill to do this in the US but the war with iran crowd hates it. Link to quoted tweet”

 

Egypt

Khanna (D-CA-17) 01/29/2022: Tweet – “Glad to see the U.S. will withhold military aid to Egypt over its deplorable human rights record. Unfortunately, the impact of this decision is diminished by selling $2.5B in arms at the same time. Biden administration set to withhold $130 million from Egypt over human rights concerns… | washingtonpost.com”

Murphy (D-CT) 01/28/2022: Retweet of @MarquardtA – “.@ChrisMurphyCT, who has been among the most vocal lawmakers on Egypt: ‘I’m glad the Biden administration held the line by reprogramming these funds. It sends the important message abroad that we will back up our commitment to human rights with action…‘”

Murphy (D-CT) 01/28/2022: Retweet of @jakesNYT – “’It sends the important message abroad that we will back up our commitment to human rights with action, and gone are the days where dictators receive blank checks from America,’ ⁦@ChrisMurphyCT⁩ said Friday. w/ ⁦@monaelnaggar⁩ via @NYTimes U.S. Blocks $130 Million in Aid for Egypt Over Rights Abuses… | nytimes.com”

 

Saudi Arabia

Cramer (R-ND) 02/02/2022: Twitter thread – “This isn’t about a “fair return to the taxpayer,” it’s a not-so-thinly veiled attempt to shut down oil and gas production on our public lands. This idea simply transfers Democrats’ climate guilt to foreign producers, along with Americans’ jobs & revenues. U.S. considering hike to royalty rate for drillers at onshore auctions… | reuters.com Russia gets to collect its cash and pass go while clean U.S. production is sent to jail. The Biden Admin knows the world is desperately searching for more oil and natural gas, but apparently they’d rather have Putin and the Saudis provide it! They should rethink this proposal.” Retweeted by Barrasso (R-WY), also posted on GETTR

Rubio (R-FL) 01/28/2022: Tweet – “Ashraf Fayadh was sentenced to 800 lashes and eight years in a #Saudi prison for his works of poetry and personal beliefs. Sen. Rubio condemns this injustice and calls for Fayadh’s immediate release. #ExpressionNOToppression Link to image”

 

Qatar

Waltz (R-FL-6) 02/02/2022: GETTR Post – “Why is @CocaCola rightfully calling labor abuses in Qatar but remains silent on atrocities in China as the Olympics begin? Hint: Chinese $$$”

Brown (D-OH) 01/31/2022: Tweet – “NEWS: Boeing and GE Aviation are announcing a new deal selling 777X freighters, made in America by union Machinists with GE Aviation engines developed in Ohio, to Qatar Airways. This $6.8 billion deal is a HUGE win for GE Aviation workers in greater Cincinnati. Link to quoted tweet”

Larsen (D-WA-2) 01/31/2022: Tweet – “Today’s announcement means more well-paying jobs in #Everett & economic growth for local communities. NW WA is home to the world’s best aviation & aerospace workforce, & I will continue to work w/leaders & stakeholders to ensure the PNW remains the aerospace capital of the world. Link to quoted tweet”

Larsen (D-WA-2) 01/31/2022: Retweet of @POTUS – “This afternoon, I’m hosting Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar for a bilateral meeting at the White House. I look forward to discussing a range of issues, including security and prosperity in the Middle East, global energy supplies, Afghanistan, and more.”

Ryan (D-OH-13) 01/31/2022: Tweet – “Another major win for Ohio today. This deal is going to put hundreds of good-paying union jobs in the hands of Ohioans while helping the economy of our future take flight. This is what happens when we fight like hell to put working people first. Link to quoted tweet”

Waltz (R-FL-6) 02/01/2022: Tweet – “Why is @CocaCola rightfully calling labor abuses in Qatar but remains silent on atrocities in China as the Olympics begin? Hint: Chinese $$$”

Bergman (R-MI-1) 01/30/2022: Tweet – “When @POTUS hosts Qatar’s emir at the White House, he should demand the regime actually take concrete measures to change repressive laws restricting press freedom, women’s rights and immediately end migrant labor abuses. Read my full op-ed in @Newsweek Biden must confront Qatar’s emir on egregious human rights record | Opinion”

Murphy (D-CT) 01/30/2022: Tweet – “Great to share dinner tonight with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. Qatar has been an invaluable ally of the United States and his meeting this week @POTUS will help deepen our partnership.”

Swalwell (D-CA-15) 01/29/2022: Retweet of @shawnjvandiver – “On Monday, I departed LAX for a short but very fruitful visit to Doha, Qatar as part of a trip that @RepSwalwell put together. We visited Afghans awaiting processing and onward travel to the US and met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Link to image”

Bergman (R-MI-1) 01/28/2022: Tweet – “Qatar supports the anti-American, pro-Iranian Houthi terrorist group, which recently launched a terror drone attack against the UAE. Is that how an American ally acts? Qatar paying $2m per month to Houthi terror cells: document… | gulfnews.com”

 

Turkey

Merkley (D-OR) 01/30/2022: Retweet of @CECCgov – “#MirzatTaher was detained and later given a 25-year sentence on state security charges for his travel and work in Turkey. While detained in a mass internment camp, he was reportedly subjected to physical and mental abuse and political indoctrination. #Olympic Prisoner Link to image”

Merkley (D-OR) 01/29/2022: Retweet of @CECCgov – “Sa’adet Bawudun was sentenced to 18 years in prison in #Xinjiang along with her husband #HemitAbdurahman reportedly for the asylum application filed by their son and for visiting him in Turkey in 2014. Their daughter #GulshatHemit was also detained. #OlympicPrisoner Link to image”

 

Tunisia

Wilson (R-SC-2) 02/03/2022: Tweet – “Unfortunately, the Administration has not taken the Tunisia issue seriously, even in some cases praising dictator Saied, despite claiming to support a pro-democracy agenda. Read more from my conversation with @joshrogin. Link to quoted tweet”

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