Legislative Round-Up: May 27, 2022

by APN 05/31/22
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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. Hearings
3. On the Record

NOTE: Check out this powerful analysis/commentary from FMEP non-resident fellow Dr. Maha Nassar – How media reports of ‘clashes’ mislead Americans about Israeli-Palestinian violence

1. Bills, Resolutions & Letters

(BLOCKING RE-ENTRY TO JCPOA) S. 4290: Introduced 5/23/22 by Blackburn (R-TN) and having 7 all-Republican cosponsors, “A bill to impose certain requirements relating to the renegotiation or reentry into the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or other agreement relating to Iran’s nuclear program, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

(EGYPT MILITARY SALES: JUST SAY NO) S. J. Res. 48: Introduced 5/27/22 by Paul (R-KY), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Egypt of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Egypt Arms Sales Notifications sent to the Senate this week (here, here, and here)

LETTERS

(STOP MASAFER YATTA ETHNIC CLEANSING) Stansbury-Merkley letter to Blinken: On 5/26/22 – in advance of President Biden’s visit to Israel –  Rep. Stansbury (D-NM) and Sen. Merkley (D-OR) led a bicameral letter to SecState Blinken, signed by a total of 81 Members of Congress (20 Senators, 63 House members – all Democrats) expressing “urgent concern over the decision by Israel’s High Court to allow the military to evict approximately 1,000 Palestinian people from their homes in the Masafer Yatta region of the occupied West Bank”  and asking the Biden Administration to “immediately engage with the Israeli government to prevent these evictions and seek a solution that will keep people in their homes and prevent further conflict.” The letter notes: “We agree with comments you made last May regarding actions ‘that in the first instance could spark tension, conflict and war and also ultimately undermine even further the difficult prospects for two states’ and that such actions include the ‘evictions of Palestinians from their homes where they lived for decades and generations.” The signers “respectfully request” the Biden Administration to “immediately engage with the Israeli government to prevent these evictions and further military training exercises in the area. We further ask that you encourage the Israeli government to approve master plans for the villages in Masafer Yatta so that these Palestinian communities may build and maintain homes, schools, infrastructure, and sustain their agricultural and pastoral lands.” The letter closes noting: “With President Biden visiting Israel in late June, it is critical that the Administration respond quickly to ensure that this momentous trip can deliver concrete steps toward peace.” Also see:

(MONITORING HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN ISRAEL IS IPSO FACTO ANTISEMITIC) On 5/23/22, the Washington Free Beacon reported that “Senate Republican foreign policy leaders are demanding the Biden administration pull nearly $1 million in taxpayer funding for groups to investigate alleged human rights abuses in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip—an effort that the senators say is fueling a ‘new anti-Semitism.’” Per the Free Beacon: “‘As a policy matter, it is wholly unacceptable for the State Department to fund NGOs to delegitimize and isolate Israel,’ the lawmakers write, according to a copy of the letter obtained by the Washington Free Beacon. The State Department, the lawmakers allege, is using taxpayer dollars to promote a ‘new anti-Semitism’ that is ‘driven by a global network of anti-Israel nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and human rights groups.’” The report also states: “Senior Republicans on Capitol Hill who spoke to the Free Beacon say the grant is part of a larger effort by Biden administration officials to mainstream the BDS movement and undermine the U.S.-Israel alliance, even as terror attacks on the Jewish state spike.”  Also see:

  • Sen. Cruz (R-TX) re-tweets Free Beacon tweets related to this story here and here.
  • Media: ‘Rescind $1-million grants to anti-Israel NGOs,’ Republican senators tell Blinken (Jerusalem Post 5/24/22); Poll: White evangelical support for Israel higher than any other Christian group (Religion News Service 5/26/22) – excerpt: “Earlier this week, 12 Republican senators sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, asking to rescind the $1 million grants the State Department gives to ‘anti-Israel NGOs.’ The Republican senators’ staunch support for Israel is not surprising, according to a new Pew Research survey of U.S. attitudes toward Israel and Palestine. Republicans and those who lean toward the Republican Party express far more positive views of the Israeli people and its government than do Democrats — 78% of Republicans view Israeli people positively compared with 60% of Democrats.”

(GRANDSTANDING IN SUPPORT OF $$$ FOR ISRAEL THAT ARE DEFINITELY GOING TO BE PROVIDED REGARDLESS OF YOUR INPUT) Gillibrand et al letter to Defense Approps leaders: On 5/20/22, Sen. Gillibrand (D-NY) and Rounds (R-SD) led a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee noting the committee’s “strong support of U.S.-Israel collaborative defense programs, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, as well as our continued cooperative work on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).” The letter states that the signers are “seeking $500 million for continued support for these programs in order to meet the United States’ and Israel’s national security needs” in the FY23 Defense Appropropriations bill. NOTE: as was the case with a similar House letter a few weeks ago (urging appropriators to provide funding for Israeli missile programs), this letter is an exercise in shameless grandstanding. Why? Because the $500 million that Gillibrand and friends are “seeking”  in the FY23 Defense Approps bill is already explicitly provided under the current US-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, which states: “Further reflecting the unshakable commitment of the United States to Israel’s security, and recognizing the importance to Israel’s security of effective missile, rocket, and projectile defense, the United States supports funding for.cooperative programs to develop, produce, and procure missile, rocket, and projectile defense capabilities to help Israel meet its security needs and to help develop and enhance U.S. missile defense capabilities. Such funding should, over a ten-year period beginning in FY 2019 and ending in FY 2028, be provided at the level of $500 million per year. Total funding over the course of this understanding would equal $5 billion.” As such, this letter is kind of like a random person standing on the side of a freeway waving at cars to keep driving — and then issuing a press release seeking credit for the fact that traffic kept moving.  Also see:

(INVESTIGATE DEATH OF PALESTINIAN-AMERICAN JOURNALIST) Carson-Corea letter to FBI Director Wray: As noted in last week’s Round-Up, last week Reps. Carson (D-CA) and Corea (D-CA) were circulating (for cosigners) a letter calling on the FBI to investigate the killing in the West Bank of Palestinian-American journalist Shrieen Abu Akleh. That letter was sent on 5/19/22 with a total of 57 signers (all Democrats). Also see:

2. Hearings

June 22, 2022: The House Armed Services Committee will hold a mark-up of the FY23 Defense Authorization bill (following subcommittee markups June 8-9, 2022).

June 9, 2022: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a Business Meeting at which it will consider (among other things), Rep. McCaul’s (-TX) HR 6089, aka, the “Stop Iranian Drones Act.”

June 8, 2022: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a two-panel hearing entitled, “The Path Forward On U.S.-Syria Policy: Strategy And Accountability.” The sole witness on Panel 1 will be newly confirmed Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf. Panel 2 witnesses will be Dr. Milena Sterio, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law; and witness who is given the name, “The Gravedigger”, described as “Witness to Mass Graves in Syria” [likely one of the most unusual names/titles to appear on a witness list for a Senate hearing in some time, or maybe ever].

May 25, 2022: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a 2-panel hearing entitled, “The JCPOA Negotiations and United States’ Policy on Iran Moving Forward.” The sole witness on Panel 1 was Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley (testimony). Panel 2 witnesses were Karim Sadjadpour, The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (testimony), and Mark Dubowitz, FDD (testimony). Also see:

 

3. On the Record

Media – General

Israel Hayom 5/20/22: Settler representatives in Washington to plead Israel’s case

Religion News Service 5/20/22: With AIPAC funding primary campaigns, young Jewish progressives move further left

Mondoweiss 5/19/22: Pro-Israel Super PACs and the Democratic Primaries

Media & Members re: Elections

General

Jewish Journal 5/24/22: The Latest Acceptable Antisemitism [“The latest wave of ‘acceptable’ antisemitism involves leftwing politicians and liberal media pundits demonizing AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee”] [article re-tweeted by AIPAC]

Jewish News Syndicate 5/23/22: Who’s winning Bernie Sanders’s war on AIPAC? [“The Vermont Socialist and allies like AOC are the main obstacles to the pro-Israel organization’s efforts to stop the left’s anti-Israel campaign to transform the Democratic Party.”]

New York Times 5/20/22: Bernie Sanders Prepares for ‘War’ With AIPAC and Its Super PAC

 

Texas

Haaretz 5/25/22: AIPAC-backed Democrat Declares Victory Against Progressive Challenger in Texas Runoff – AIPAC invested $1.8 million on behalf of Rep. Henry Cuellar’s campaign, who has now defeated Jessica Cisneros for the second consecutive election cycle should the results hold [article re-tweeted by AIPAC”]

Tweet by JTA 5/25/22: “Rep. Henry Cuellar declared victory in a key Texas Democratic primary that involved nearly $2 million in funds from AIPAC.”

JTA 5/25/22: AIPAC funds help Henry Cuellar, one of Congress’ most conservative Dems, cling to narrow lead in key Texas race

Haaretz 5/24/22: It’s AIPAC vs. Bernie Sanders in Too-close-to-call Texas Democratic Runoff [also see re-tweet with gloating comment from AIPAC – “We are proud to support pro-Israel Democrats! ‘In Georgia, meanwhile, two AIPAC-endorsed Democratic incumbents — Reps. Lucy McBath and David Scott — won their primaries against challengers endorsed by J Street and Sen. Bernie Sanders, respectively.’”

New York

Bowman staffer penned second letter to assure DSA over congressman’s Israel position (Jewish Insider 5/26/22)

Socialist staffer on Jamaal Bowman’s team details congressman’s efforts to placate DSA (Jewish Insider 5/23/22)

Pennsylvania

Philly Tribune 5/26/22: Progressive Summer Lee will win Democratic House primary in Pennsylvania, CNN projects

Democracy Now 5/23/22: In Defeat for AIPAC, Summer Lee Wins Pennsylvania House Primary

Rolling Stone 5/20/22: Summer Lee Is Coming to Congress — and to The Squad   

Georgia

Jewish Insider 5/24/22: AIPAC and DMFI back McBath over Bourdeaux in Georgia

Michigan

Levin (D-MI-9) 05/26/2022: Retweet of @EmgageAction – “Emgage #Michigan PAC congratulates our endorsees for Congress: @RashidaTlaib and @Andy_Levin! These candidates have been steadfast partners in our fight against Islamophobia and champion human rights, both at home and abroad. Vote for them on August 2nd in the primary election  Link to image”

Washington Free Beacon 5/26/22: Meet Rashida Tlaib’s Favorite Anti-Israel Publisher

Jewish Insider 5/25/22: Stevens and Levin trade barbs over AIPAC, PAC funding

Jewish Insider 5/24/22: Michigan mayor Kelly Garrett takes on Rashida Tlaib

New Statesman 5/23/22: Rep. Andy Levin: “I’m not going to be intimidated. I don’t care how much money they throw at the race.”

Illinois

Newman (D-IL-3) 05/23/2022: Retweet of @EmgageAction – “Emgage PAC is proud to endorse @Marie4Congress! Rep. Newman is a champion for an equitable economy, healthcare, and education. She is also a strong advocate for Palestinian rights and needs YOUR help on her re-election. Support her today”

Jewish Insider 5/23/22: Delia Ramirez hopes Springfield will be her springboard to Congress

Schneider (D-IL-10) 05/22/2022: Tweet – “Thank you, @ShontelMBrown (OH-11), for speaking today at our Women for Brad event. I thank you for your speech on defending a women’s right to choose, funding Israel’s Iron Dome, addressing racial health disparities and continuing to share all that is on the line these midterms. Link to image”

Minnesota

Washington Free Beacon 5/26/22: California Republican Goes Full Ilhan Omar in Anti-Semitic Rant [in which the Free Beacon launches an outrageous attack on Ilhan Omar to mitigate/deflect focus away from a Republican’s brazen antisemitism)

Montana

Jewish Insider 5/26/22: Cora Neumann’s sweet home Montana

 

Members on the Record

Palestine

Castro (D-TX-20) 05/22/2022: Retweet of @tobiaraji – “Ahead of Biden visit, Israel launches biggest eviction of Palestinians in decades Ahead of Biden visit, Israel launches biggest eviction of Palestinians in decades… | washingtonpost.com”

Mast (R-FL-18) 05/22/2022: Tweet – “The sad reality is the Palestinian Authority isn’t interested in a two-state solution. So why does the Biden Administration keep filling their coffers and enabling a fight against our strongest ally, Israel? Pouring Out Money for Corrupt Palestinian “Leaders”… | mast.house.gov”

Leahy (D-VT) 05/20/2022: Tweet – “The killing of respected journalist Shireen Abu Akleh must be thoroughly and impartially investigated. Senator Leahy, in the #Congressional #Record. Statement On The Death Of Shireen Abu Akleh | U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont”

Newman (D-IL-3) 05/20/2022: Twitter thread – “It’s been a busy week in Washington! …Co-signed a letter to the State Department and FBI urging them to investigate the killing of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh We’re back in the district next week!”

 

Israel

Rubio (R-FL) 05/27/2022: Tweet – “Iraq’s passage of an Anti-Israel Normalization Law will ban Iraqis from traveling to or establishing positive relations w/ #Israel. This will only hurt #Iraq. [Israeli flag] is our strongest ally in the Middle East, and Sen. Rubio will always promote Israel’s positive role in the region. Link to quoted tweet”

Maloney (D-NY-12) 05/26/2022: Retweet of @EytanSaenger – “It was great to see/meet @CarolynBMaloney tonight as she spoke to @AJCGlobal NY’s ALEF cohort about a wide variety of topics including her holocaust education bill, support for Israel and much more. Link to quoted tweet”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 05/27/2022: Tweet – “LR @RepMcCaul: “Deeply disappointed by Iraq’s anti-normalization law. Many others have the immense benefits of ties with Israel. The Iraqi parliament should not deprive the Iraqi people of these advantages. I urge parliament to reverse this. Peace and dialogue help us all.” Link to quoted tweet”

Gaetz (R-FL-1) 05/26/2022: Tweet – “The FBI had a far more thorough interest in Pegasus than merely “looking under the hood.” In 2018, the FBI informed the Israeli government it had purchased the hacking tool to collect data from mobile phones to aid in investigations. Who were they targeting?Link to video” Also on GETTR

Bacon (R-NE-2) 05/24/2022: Tweet – “There can be no ambiguity regarding our support of Taiwan. Taiwan shares our love of freedom and human rights. As we support Israel against Iran and Ukraine against Russia, we must support Taiwan against the CCP. To be America First, we must promote a strong national defense. Link to quoted tweet”

Cruz (R-TX) 05/23/2022: Video of remarks at Arutz Sheva (far right-wing Israeli media outlet) “Jerusalem Conference” held in NY

Maloney (D-NY-12) 05/23/2022: Tweet – “Honored to join Israeli Def. Minister Benny Gantz yesterday at Park East Synagogue to address the rise of civilian victims of terrorism in Israel, the uptick of antisemitism in the U.S. and abroad, and how to create meaningful solutions to both problems. Gantz calls for calm amid spike in violence, clashes… | jewishinsider.com”

Sherman (D-CA-30) 05/24/2022: Tweet – “It was good to join @BahrainEmbDC Ambassador H.E. Shaikh Abdullah Bin Rashid Al Khalifa @AbdullaRAK at @AIPAC to discuss the #AbrahamAccords. Link to image”

Zeldin (R-NY-1) 05/23/2022: Tweet – “Honored to march in the @CelebrateIsrael Parade yesterday in NYC. The US-Israel bond must forever remain unbreakable. Link to image” Also on GETTR

Maloney (D-NY-12) 05/23/2022: Tweet – “I capped off a wonderful wknd by speaking at Park East Synagogue last night. It was an honor to be in the presence of the Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and so many constituents who are committed to standing up against hatred and anti-Semitism. Link to image”

Maloney (D-NY-12) 05/22/2022: Tweet – “Am Yisrael Chai! Link to image”

Maloney (D-NY-12) 05/22/2022: Retweet of @evawyner – “High energy and laughter even in the scorching heat! Couldn’t be prouder to work to strengthen the NY-Israel partnership under the leadership of @GovKathyHochul Link to image”

Massie (R-KY-4) 05/23/2022: Tweet – “Cut all foreign aid. Link to quoted tweet” [re-tweeting last week’s tweet from AOC regarding US aid to Israel]

Nadler (D-NY-10) 05/22/2022: Tweet – “Beautiful day in NY and it’s great to be back marching up 5th Avenue with so many friends to #CelebrateIsrael in Manhattan! Link to image”

Torres (D-NY-15) 05/22/2022: Tweet – “It was an honor to join @JCRCNY today for their 58th annual #CelebrateIsraelParade. A unique opportunity for New Yorkers of all backgrounds to unite in their support for Israel. Link to image”

Torres (D-NY-15) 05/22/2022: Tweet – “I had a wonderful time marching in the ⁦@CelebrateIsrael⁩ parade. The new NY15 includes Riverdale’s own @SARacademy, whose students were marching in the parade. Looking forward to representing Riverdale! Link to image”

Zeldin (R-NY-1) 05/23/2022: Tweet – “Prior to the start of yesterday’s Celebrate Israel Parade in NYC, it was an honor to stand alongside several strong Nassau County leaders, including @NassauExec, in opposition to rising antisemitism on our streets, in our schools, and inside of government. Link to image”

Zeldin (R-NY-1) 05/22/2022: Twitter thread – “Just marched in the @celebrateIsrael Parade in NYC! The US-Israel relationship is vitally important to both nations. In Congress, it’s been an honor to serve as Co-Chair of the House GOP Israel Caucus. Looking forward to taking office in January as NY’s first Jewish GOP Governor. Link to image It will be a top priority of mine to do my part to eradicate antisemitism on our streets, in our universities, and in our government. New York currently leads the nation in antisemitic incidents. This must be reversed!”

Zeldin (R-NY-1) 05/23/2022: Tweet – “After my stops Saturday in Cayuga & Chemung Counties, I finished with a Town Hall in Cortland. Yesterday started at the Celebrate Israel Parade, before speaking @BKConservatives. I then attended Vaisakhi Mela with thousands of Nassau County’s South Asian Community. ALL IN! Link to image”

Zeldin (R-NY-1) 05/23/2022: GETTR – “Prior to the start of yesterday’s Celebrate Israel Parade in NYC, it was an honor to stand alongside several strong Nassau County leaders, including Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, in opposition to rising antisemitism on our streets, in our schools, and inside of government.”

McBath (D-GA-6) 05/22/2022: Tweet – “When Jeff’s daughter was stuck in Israel and needed help with her passport, my office was able to help. I want every member of our community to know that if they are in need of assistance with a federal agency, my office can help navigate the process and get the needed answers. Link to video”

Steube (R-FL-17) 05/22/2022: Tweet – “During a Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, I discussed my concern about how our greatest ally in the Middle Eastern region, Israel, is impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Link to video”

Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25) 05/20/2022: Retweet of @TheCHLI – “Dr. Tobias Schifter, Israel LATAM Network; CHLI Chairman, The Honorable @LincolnDBalart; Gil Kapen, Special Advisor at the American Jewish International Relations Institute; U.S. Representative @MaElviraSalazar, and CHLI Board Member U.S. Representative @MarioDB at the CHLI Gala. Link to image”

Salazar (R-FL-27) 05/20/2022: Retweet of @TheCHLI – “Dr. Tobias Schifter, Israel LATAM Network; CHLI Chairman, The Honorable @LincolnDBalart; Gil Kapen, Special Advisor at the American Jewish International Relations Institute; U.S. Representative @MaElviraSalazar, and CHLI Board Member U.S. Representative @MarioDB at the CHLI Gala. Link to image”

 

Iran

Blackburn (R-TN) 05/27/2022: Tweet – “Iran used secret U.N. records to create false stories to cover up their nuclear activity, yet the Biden administration continues to negotiate with the regime.”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 05/27/2022: Twitter thread – “Today I’ll meet with the International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi and his team about Iran’s concerning nuclear activities. Here are some of the issues and challenges that I plan to discuss while I’m there. Iran has consistently & clearly undermined the IAEA’s work and mission for decades by stonewalling & obstructing the IAEA’s attempts to monitor and investigate Iran’s nuclear program. There have even been reports of Iranian guards physically harassing female IAEA investigators. WSJ News Exclusive | Iranian Guards Physically Harassed Female U.N. Nuclear Inspectors, Diplomats Say DG Grossi recently raised extreme concerns about Iran’s continuous delay in providing the necessary information to the IAEA after the org identified traces of uranium at three old yet previously undeclared nuclear sites in Iran. This lack of transparency is deeply troubling. IAEA warns that Iran not forthcoming on past nuclear activities… | reuters.com This is part of an ongoing pattern of deception & duplicitous behavior. A new report this week revealed Iran used confidential IAEA reports to prepare cover stories for top Iranian officials and to misdirect & evade IAEA investigations into its nuclear program in the early 2000s. WSJ News Exclusive | Iran Used Secret U.N. Records to Evade Nuclear Probes Of course, addressing Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium and its ongoing enrichment program must and continues to be a top priority for the United States and the international community. We must ensure that Iran is never able to acquire a nuclear weapon. The int’l community must also address Iran’s blatant disregard for the IAEA & its investigations, which undermines the IAEA’s mission and weakens the global nuclear non-proliferation movement. DG Grossi’s recent comment that the IAEA is at “very difficult juncture” with Iran underscores the situation’s extreme urgency, especially with DG Grossi’s upcoming report on Iran & the IAEA BoG meeting in June. IAEA at ‘very difficult juncture’ with Iran on unanswered questions… | reuters.com I look forward to discussing what we can do about these issues.”

Letlow (R-LA-5) 05/26/2022: Tweet – “We’re co-sponsoring H.Res. 1020, to stop this Administration’s negotiations with the oppressive regimes in Iran and Venezuela and instead unleash the power of America’s domestic oil and gas production.”

Paul (R-KY) 05/27/2022: Retweet of @KelleyBVlahos – “#CrashingtheWarParty is off this week because our producer @HeyRemso had to go and get married! So please catch up w/what you missed, like this recent episode w/ @RandPaul on Ukraine, Yemen and Iran: Senator Rand Paul says the quiet part out loud on Putin, Ukraine, and NATO… | crashingthewarparty.substack.com”

Markey (D-MA) 5/24/2022: statement in the Congressional Record, including: “President Trump failed us by creating a minefield of obstacles against cleanly reentering the Iran nuclear deal, but President Biden knows that the alternative to reentry is far worse: We will see more enrichment, more proxy attacks, and risk a direct war with Iran versus the United States.”

Banks (R-IN-3) 05/23/2022: Tweet – “Instead of supporting the brave Iranian protestors, Joe Biden is trying to cut a deal with the terrorist regime. Shameful! Price protests turn political in Iran as rallies spread… | reuters.com”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 05/24/2022: Tweet – “The Iranian people are the longest suffering victims of the Islamic Republic’s brutality, and they have had enough! It’s time for President Biden to stand with a majority of Iranians who oppose this repressive clerical regime. Link to quoted tweet”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 05/22/2022: Retweet of @IAC_NE – “Join us in solidarity with #IranProtests Nationwide bipartisan support! @RepDonBacon Link to quoted tweet”

Herrell (R-NM-2) 05/23/2022: Retweet of @RepStefanik – “As the brave Iranian people take to the streets to protest against Ali Khamenei & his regime – I want to reiterate my support for the Iranian people! It’s time for @POTUS to stand with the Iranian people over the Mullah’s and their terrorist regime. #IranProtests”

Davidson (R-OH-8) 05/22/2022: Twitter thread – “The Biden Administration seems to have an uncanny ability to surrender America’s sovereignty. Whether the Paris Accord, Iran nuclear deal, covering for a weak and under-funded NATO (at America’s expense), or new global health standards (the latest issue)…”

Scott (R-FL) 05/20/2022: Twitter thread – “.@JoeBiden’s appeasement of the illegitimate communist Cuban regime will not only funnel tons of cash to the evil regime, but will prop up Iran’s tyranny & further threaten our national & economic security...”

 

Syria

Hill (R-AR-2) 05/26/2022: Twitter thread – “US govt must do all it can to disrupt industrial level of drug production taking place in Syria. If not, Assad will continue to drive ongoing conflict & provide a lifeline to extremist groups. Joined @NewlinesInst yesterday to discuss dangers of #Captagon. The Captagon Trade Conference… | youtu.be In December, @RepBrendanBoyle & I introduced H.R. 6265, the CAPTAGON Act, which requires the federal government to develop an interagency strategy to disrupt and dismantle narcotics production and trafficking and affiliated networks linked to the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria.”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 05/27/2022: Tweet – “LR @RepMcCaul: “Saddened to see 100M people across world are now forcibly displaced, fleeing conflict and persecution, whether in Ukraine, Afghanistan, the DRC, Syria, Ethiopia or elsewhere. I stand #WithRefugees and will continue to work in Congress to solve this global crisis.””

Risch (R-ID) 05/26/2022: Tweet – “In places like #Yemen, #Syria, & #Ethiopia, starvation is being used as a weapon. It’s critical we use every tool at our disposal to ensure food assistance isn’t being manipulated or used against the civilians. The admin must prioritize food security. Risch, Merkley, Young, Booker, Thune, Menendez Announce Bipartisan Senate Resolution Condemning Starvation as an Act of War | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations”

Hill (R-AR) 5/26/22: press release – ICYMI: Rep. Hill Joins New Lines Institute to Discuss Assad’s Narcotic Production and Trafficking in Syria

 

Lebanon

Menendez (D-NJ) 05/27/2022: Tweet – “Honored to host #Lebanon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdallah Bouhabib in the Capitol. Congratulated the Lebanese people on their election, expressed my commitment to the U.S.-Lebanon relationship & urged quick government formation to tackle significant economic challenges. Link to image”

 

Saudi Arabia

Stewart (R-UT-2) 05/27/2022: Tweet – “This week, I had the honor of traveling to Saudi Arabia and meeting with Crown Prince Salman. The strong economic partnership between our nations is more important than ever in today’s world. It was a greatly encouraging trip, and I look forward to our continued work together.”

Markey (D-MA) 5/24/2022: Statement in the Congressional Record, incl: “Saudi Arabia must come clean about its illicit nuclear and missile cooperation with China. We should insist that Saudi Arabia adopt the Additional Protocol to its International Atomic Energy Agency Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement so that we can be sure that any future nuclear program turns out peaceful megawatts, not megatons; so that it is an electricity program and not a nuclear weapons program.”

Gallego (D-AZ-7) 05/23/2022: Tweet – “100%” Link to tweet from Matt Yglesiais – “Yep. And the thing is that a Saudi Arabia that sides with Russia has zero value to the US as an ally and we should make all our regional policy decisions with that in mind.”

Whitehouse (D-RI) 05/22/2022: Tweet – “The rotten Big Oil cartel is holding up the whole world, while trying to brainwash people that the solution is more oil. Can we truly be that stupid? Saudi Aramco Posts Record Quarterly Profit on Surging Oil Prices… | wsj.com”

 

Egypt

Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25) 05/24/2022: Twitter thread – “1/2 As co-chairs of the bipartisan Friends of Egypt Caucus in the House, @Call_Me_Dutch & I condemn the ISIS terrorist attack on Egyptian troops in the Sinai region earlier this month. 2/2 #Egypt has been instrumental in our own fight against terrorism, and our hearts go out to those injured and killed in this despicable attack.”

Ruppersberger (D-MD-2) 05/23/2022: Twitter thread – “As co-chairs of the bipartisan Friends of Egypt Caucus in the House, @MarioDB & I condemn the ISIS terrorist attack on Egyptian troops in the Sinai region earlier this month. Egypt has been instrumental in our own fight against terrorism, and our hearts go out to those injured and killed in this despicable attack.”

Beyer (D-VA-8) 05/21/2022: Tweet – “NEW, with @RepMalinowski: Egypt Human Rights Caucus Co-Chairs’ Statement on Hunger Strike of Unjustly Detained Activist Alaa Abdel Fattah Link to image”

Leahy (D-VT) 05/20/2022: Tweet – “Egypt’s new “human rights strategy” needs to protect human rights. That means no longer criminalizing peaceful expression and association. Senator Leahy, in the #Congressional #Record. Statement On Alaa Abdel Fattah | U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont”

 

Qatar

Carson (D-IN) 5/23/22: Statement in the record, “50th Anniversary Of U.S.-Qatar Diplomatic Relations”

 

United Arab Emirates

Torres (D-NY-15) 05/26/2022: Twitter thread – “My partnership with @UAEEmbassyUS has led to the fastest @NYCParks capital project in recent memory. The @UAEEmbassyUS & @NYCFC built a whole new soccer field in the South Bronx—in just a few months at a cost of $363,000. A triumph of efficiency over bureaucracy. Link to image Here is the video of the historic partnership that led to the soccer field: Link to quoted tweet The @UAEEmbassyUS and @NYCFC built in a few weeks with a few hundred thousand dollars what it would have taken the City of New York to build in multiple years with multiple millions of dollars. Thank you to His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba and @NYCParks Deputy Commissioner Iris Rodriguez for transforming a dream into a reality.”

Torres (D-NY-15) 05/27/2022: Retweet of @UAEEmbassyUS – “Last week Ambassador Al Otaiba visited the recently renovated Crotona Park, celebrating the opening with @NYCFC, @NYCParks & @RepRitchie. See the Embassy’s latest community soccer project, which gives kids in the Bronx access to quality and safe playing fields. #UAEUSA Link to video”

Torres (D-NY-15) 05/20/2022: Tweet – “Proud to have partnered with @UAEEmbassyUS, @NYCParks, and @NYCFC to bring this soccer field to life in Crotona Park. I look forward to seeing the lasting impact this park has on our community here in the #Bronx. Link to image”

 

Yemen

McCaul (R-TX-10) 05/26/2022: Tweet – “LR @RepMcCaul: “Deeply saddened by the death of retired @USAID employee Abdulhameed Al-Ajami in Houthi custody. The Houthis’ detention of current and former US staff is an outrage. The Houthis must release our LES immediately and be held accountable for Mr. Al-Ajami’s death.””

 

Turkey

Doggett (D-TX-35) 05/22/2022: Tweet – “The Erdogan regime in Turkey needs a major upgrade of its respect for human rights and freedom of the press—not an upgrade of military hardware. More weapons from America should be off the table. No blank checks on more arms for authoritarians. WSJ News Exclusive | Biden Administration Asks Congress to Approve New Weapons Deal With Turkey”

 

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