Members on the Record (Automated) for Wed December 15, 2021

Israel - Palestine

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

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 12/14/2021: Twitter thread – “We must speak out against all forms of hatred & bigotry.   But it's also critical that any new government entities don't turn into hotbeds for anti-Israel sentiments, nor used to target our ally Israel — the only democracy in the Middle East.   RELEASE: Gottheimer Proposes Amendment to Prohibit Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Islamophobia from Disparaging Israel or Working with Biased United Nations Human Rights Commissioner... | gottheimer.house.gov That's why I submitted an amendment to the House legislation for a Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Islamophobia.   My amendment would prevent this new role from disparaging Israel or working w/ the biased & anti-Israel United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.”

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

Greene (R-GA-14) 12/15/2021: Tweet – “Last night House Democrats signed Israel's death warrant by voting for Ilhan Omar's Islamophobia bill. It launches an envoy from the State Department to “monitor and combat” anyone in foreign countries that attacks Islam in any way. @SenateGOP must stop this bill. Link to image   Link to quoted tweetThe “Islamophobia” bill we're voting on today doesn't even define what it means. Will Israel be “combated” for protecting themselves from a Hamas attack? Will European countries be punished for restricting immigration to prevent rapes from Muslim “migrants?” I'm voting NO! (Link to twitter.com)”

Omar (D-MN-5) 12/15/2021: Retweet of @jstreetdotorg – “This is great to see. J Street is proud to support this important bill. Thank you Reps @IlhanMN and @janschakowsky for your leadership on this issue. We need to stand together to oppose hatred in all its forms. Link to quoted tweet”

Omar (D-MN-5) 12/15/2021: Retweet of @Bsamuels0 – “I had a wide-ranging talk with Rep. Jan Schakowsky about the need to create an Islamophobia envoy, how Jews can be allies in the fight against hate, and how social justice is increasingly informing U.S. Jews' approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Why combating Islamophobia is so important to this U.S. Jewish lawmaker... | haaretz.com”

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

Hagerty (R-TN) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “Facilitated by the Trump Administration last year, the historic Abraham Accords continue to expand peace, security & prosperity in the Middle East as PM Naftali Bennett becomes the first @IsraeliPM to visit the United Arab Emirates. Link to quoted tweetHistory is being made in Abu Dhabi – Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has arrived on the first official visit of an Israeli leader in the United Arab Emirates. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was received by UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed @ABZayed and an honor guard. 🇮🇱🤝🇦🇪 (Link to twitter.com)”

Wyden (D-OR) 12/15/2021: Twitter thread – “I'm calling on the Biden administration to sanction hacking companies that helped tyrants target activists, journalists and political rivals. These companies must be held accountable for enabling human rights abuses by selling surveillance technology to authoritarian governments. Link to quoted tweetExclusive: Wyden, Schiff and 16 others in Congress call for Magnitsky Sanctions on NSO Group and other surveillance firms. (Exclusive: U.S. lawmakers call for sanctions against Israel's NSO, spyware firms | Reuters) .@RepAdamSchiff @RepGregoryMeeks @RepMaloney and I will not stop demanding accountability for these abuses.”

Wyden (D-OR) 12/15/2021: Retweet of @josephmenn – “Exclusive: Wyden, Schiff and 16 others in Congress call for Magnitsky Sanctions on NSO Group and other surveillance firms. Exclusive: U.S. lawmakers call for sanctions against Israel's NSO, spyware firms | Reuters”

Syria

Hill (R-AR-2) 12/15/2021: Tweet – “I, along with @RepBrendanBoyle introduced H.R. 6265, the CAPTAGON Act, that requires the federal gov to develop an interagency strategy to disrupt & dismantle narcotics production and trafficking and affiliated networks linked to the Assad regime in Syria. RELEASE: Hill & Boyle Introduce Bill to Disrupt and Dismantle Assad's Narcotics Production and Trafficking... | hill.house.gov”

Mrvan (D-IN-1) 12/15/2021: Tweet – “Appreciate meeting recently with Dr. Rifai and other Northwest Indiana members of the Syrian community. Thank you for your support and engagement with so many issues that impact our region and the world. Link to image”

Iran

Deutch (D-FL-22) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “Great to join @USCIRF and their esteemed panel of experts last week for their discussion of religious freedom violations in #SaudiArabia and #Iran. From Saudi Arabia to Iran and all around the world, universal rights must be universally respected. Link to quoted tweetYesterday's hearing on State-Sanctioned Religious Freedom Violations by #SaudiArabia & #Iran included remarks from @RepTedDeutch, who has been instrumental in advocating for international religious freedom. The recording of his remarks is now available. (Rep. Ted Deutch Remarks at USCIRF State-Sanctioned Religious Freedom Violations & Coercion Hearing... | youtube.com)”

Green (R-TN-7) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “Tehran must understand the United States' red line in the sand. Time is running out, Mr. President. Link to quoted tweetU.S. Preparing ‘Alternatives' For Dealing With Iran's Nuke Program As Biden Fails: ‘Time Is Running Out' (U.S. Preparing ‘Alternatives' For Dealing With Iran's Nuke Program As Biden Fails: ‘Time Is Running Out' | The Daily Wire) (Link to twitter.com)”

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

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

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

Iraq

Cawthorn (R-NC-11) 12/14/2021: Retweet of @robbystarbuck – “The Government fails at: • Economic intervention (Inflation) • Wars (Afghanistan/Iraq/Libya) • Managing public schools • Stopping terror attacks • Securing our border • Student loans • The DMV Why would we put them in charge of our healthcare and expect good things? 🤔”

Murphy (D-FL-7) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “What a soldier. What a leader. In two days, SFC #AlwynCashe will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor. I hope every American learns his name. Alwyn Cashe was a hero to his soldiers long before he charged into a burning vehicle in Iraq... | taskandpurpose.com”

Slotkin (D-MI-8) 12/15/2021: Twitter thread – “I'm introducing the Safe Guns, Safe Kids Act to require gun owners to safely store their firearms when children live with them, and hold them accountable with up to five years in prison if a child uses their gun to hurt others or commit a crime. 1/8 In wake of Oxford shooting, Slotkin to introduce bill to require safe storage of firearms... | detroitnews.com Over the past two weeks of church services, vigils and funerals, and visits with parents, teachers, and law enforcement in Oxford, one thing is clear: everyone just wants to keep our kids safe. 2/8 But while an apparent mountain of evidence allows the parents in this case to be charged, there's actually nothing in Michigan or federal law that holds parents accountable for aiding their child in committing a crime. 3/8 My bill is a serious effort to address a safety issue that is taking American lives. This goes for the shooter in Oxford, as well as the thousands of instances where kids have stolen guns for crime or have accidentally harmed or killed others with a family member's gun. 4/8 Ensuring that firearms are properly stored, and not left to fall into the hands of those who could use them for violence or crime, is essential. 5/8 I come from a gun-owning family, and I carried a Glock and an M4 on my three tours in Iraq with the CIA. There are millions of responsible gun owners in Michigan, including people I love, like my dad. 6/8 But we just need to do more: no American community should have to go through what Oxford is going through. The parents of the killer there played a devastating role in the lives of these four young Michiganders and thousands more in our community. 7/8 Responsibility is at the heart of what it means to be American, and they need to be held to account. 8/8”

Libya

Swalwell (D-CA-15) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “This is nuts. But they don't really believe it themselves. They're just desperate to cast blame anywhere except where it actually belongs - with them and their master. Link to quoted tweetHe's claiming that Pelosi issued some type of "stand down" order to stop law enforcement from defending Capitol. (Worth noting: they used to say that Hillary issued a stand down order in Benghazi). (Link to twitter.com)”

United Arab Emirates

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

Qatar

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

Horn of Africa

Meeks (D-NY-5) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “CM @RepGregoryMeeks: Disturbed to read @HRW report implicating TPLF in extrajudicial killings in Amhara. These senseless murders perpetuate violence & suffering in an endless war. A peaceful resolution to this conflict is Ethiopia's only path forward. US concerned over alleged atrocities by Tigray rebels... | businessghana.com”

Pakistan

Risch (R-ID) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “The Biden Admin.'s catastrophic withdrawal from #Afghanistan not only affects the security of #Pakistan & #India, but also our relationships w/ them. It's important our ambassadors are prepared to work with both nations to further our common objectives. Ranking Member Risch Opening Statement at Nominations Hearing for Ambassadors to Germany, India, Pakistan | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations”

Risch (R-ID) 12/14/2021: Twitter thread – “We're entering a new chapter in our relationship w/ #Germany. As #Putin amasses #Russian troops on #Ukraine's border & further threatens an energy crisis with #NordStream2, the U.S. needs an ambassador who will be tough on malign influence. Today, I questioned Dr. Gutmann, nominee to be amb. to #Germany & current president of UPenn, on her knowledge of #China's malign financial influence in our higher ed institutions- including at UPenn. We need more transparency on Chinese funds. Ranking Member Risch Opening Statement at Nominations Hearing for Ambassadors to Germany, India, Pakistan | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations”

Jewish, Anti-semitism

Deutch (D-FL-22) 12/14/2021: Retweet of @paleycenter – “Watch @RepTedDeutch @RachelFish613 @Daroff as they discuss media's role in combating #Antisemitism in the workplace, moderated by @CNN's @JohnBerman 👉PaleyImpact: Media's Role in Combating Antisemitism in the Workplace... | bit.ly This program is made possible by generous support from Shari Redstone & Aryeh & Elana Bourkoff #Paley Link to image”

Dingell (D-MI-12) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “Some good news today ⬇️ Link to quoted tweet#EMU to host #Afghan refugees in campus apartments, thanks to resettlement efforts of Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County @jfsannarbor #TRUEMU (Eastern Michigan University to host Afghan refugees in campus apartments... | true.mu)”

Evans (D-PA-3) 12/14/2021: Retweet of @RepSusanWild – “Hate is never acceptable. I've been hurt by the rise of antisemitism, and I won't stand to see the same strain of bigotry hurt the Muslim community too. I proudly support the Combatting International Islamophobia Act. #StopIslamophobia. Link to video”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 12/14/2021: Retweet of @JGreenblattADL – “Important speech from @RepJoshG at @RutgersU on rise of #antisemitic rhetoric and the need for leaders to better support Jewish communities: "If we stand together, support one another against hatred, I believe that our best days will always, always be ahead of us." Link to quoted tweet”

McCollum (D-MN-4) 12/14/2021: Twitter thread – “I'm a cosponsor of the Combating International Islamophobia Act, which requires the State Department to create a Special Envoy for monitoring and combating anti-Muslim bigotry – modeled after a similar effort to monitor global antisemitism. (1/3) Link to image Globally, two examples of Islamophobia are the stigmatization of the Rohingya in Myanmar, causing their displacement, and the heinous detention of Uyghurs in China. Here at home, people of faith like my colleague @Ilhan face anti-Muslim discrimination – even in Congress. (2/3) Stigma can lead to discrimination and persecution, which can lead to detention and genocide. We must #StopIslamophobia. As a democracy, we have a responsibility to protect the right to worship freely and condemn religious discrimination. (3/3)”

Wild (D-PA-7) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “Hate is never acceptable. I've been hurt by the rise of antisemitism, and I won't stand to see the same strain of bigotry hurt the Muslim community too. I proudly support the Combatting International Islamophobia Act. #StopIslamophobia. Link to video”

Afghanistan

Bacon (R-NE-2) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “ZERO ACCOUNTABILITY. The Biden Admin held NO ONE responsible for the terribly flawed & botched withdrawal from #Afghanistan: ❌ Thousands of Afghans stranded ❌ Innocent civilians killed by drone ❌ Premature closing of Bagram ❌ 13 service members killed ❌ Enemies emboldened”

Cawthorn (R-NC-11) 12/14/2021: Retweet of @robbystarbuck – “China is threatening to "bring [American troops] to Justice" over Afghanistan and I think everyone knows our weak President won't do a thing about it. What an embarrassment for America. Link to quoted tweet”

Dunn (R-FL-2) 12/14/2021: Retweet of @RepDonBacon – “ZERO ACCOUNTABILITY. The Biden Admin held NO ONE responsible for the terribly flawed & botched withdrawal from #Afghanistan: ❌ Thousands of Afghans stranded ❌ Innocent civilians killed by drone ❌ Premature closing of Bagram ❌ 13 service members killed ❌ Enemies emboldened”

Foxx (R-NC-5) 12/15/2021: Tweet – “Almost a year of hearing "Build Back Better" from the Biden Administration, but here's what Americans got instead: Inflation. Rising Crime. Critical Race Theory. Parents being targeted. The border crisis. The Afghanistan crisis. Gas prices. "Build Back Better" is snake oil.”

Garcia (R-CA-25) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “In Aug, Biden told us he'd left behind 100-200 US citizens in Afghanistan. Now the White House admits the real number is at least 500. While they've been lying & treating this hostage crisis like a weather delay, I've helped 115 Americans & allies get out. Biden admin admits it left hundreds more US citizens behind in Afghanistan after chaotic withdrawal... | foxnews.com”

Garcia (R-CA-25) 12/14/2021: Twitter thread – “As a former combat fighter pilot, I know the awesome responsibility that comes with pushing the “pickle button” that releases bombs and missiles. In the fog of war, there is no room for error when it comes to positively identifying the target... Afghan victims saddened US drone strike to go unpunished | AP News When mistakes are made, innocent people die. And sometimes the right thing to do is to keep the bomb on the plane. This was clearly the case, and it was clearly rushed. I'm willing to bet someone in a senior leadership position influenced this decision despite a lack of... positive identification or track custody from the operators, and they need to be held fully accountable. Link to reply@ElectMikeGarcia If you really cared about this issue you would be calling for a review of all drone strikes. But since you are specifically targeting only this one your true intent comes shining through. Eaten by the swamp. @Negma20 All drone strikes that result in the loss of innocent lives, like this one, should be investigated.”

Hice (R-GA-10) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “Biden and his socialist helpers have driven our nation OFF A CLIFF. ❌Raging border crisis ❌Worsening crime ❌Rising inflation ❌Abandoning Afghanistan AND THE LIST GOES ON & ON & ON! Joe needs to take a page from the Grinch this Christmas and have a "change of heart” ASAP. Link to image”

Issa (R-CA-50) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “Hey @PressSec: Stop gaslighting. President Biden broke his word to every American he abandoned in Afghanistan. No amount of spin can ever change that. Link to quoted tweetDOOCY: "Why are Americans still stranded in Afghanistan?" @PressSec: "If Americans who are in Afghanistan wanted to leave, we would help them get out. That is something that we've delivered on our word on." (Link to twitter.com)”

Johnson (R-LA-4) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “HOWEVER… @PressSec at press briefing on August 31: “The President remains committed to getting every American citizen who wants to get out, out. That's an enduring commitment, one that will not change and one we're going to focus on every single day.” Link to quoted tweetA defensive @PressSec takes a shot at Fox News when asked about stranded citizens in Afghanistan, noting that the US doesn't track Americans abroad--"that would be quite a Fox News story. Wouldn't it be?"”

Joyce (R-PA-13) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “President Biden's reckless withdrawal from #Afghanistan has emboldened our enemies and made Americans and our allies less safe. For a Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan, and the Rest of the World, a Crisis Looms - WSJ”

Long (R-MO-7) 12/14/2021: Retweet of @mschlapp – “"Inflation is transitory" "The border crisis is seasonal" "We will get all Americans out of Afghanistan" "We won't push a vaccine mandate" "I have a plan to shut down the virus" "Build Back Better won't add a single penny to the deficit" The Biden admin isn't unifying anything”

Meng (D-NY-6) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “I'm pleading with the @StateDept to bring a constituent back home with his wife and 5-year-old son after they all left #Afghanistan. #Queens #FreshMeadows Meng Pleads With State Department to Bring Queens Constituent Home With His Family After They Left Afghanistan... | bit.ly”

Miller (R-IL-15) 12/14/2021: Retweet of @CongressmanHice – “Biden and his socialist helpers have driven our nation OFF A CLIFF. ❌Raging border crisis ❌Worsening crime ❌Rising inflation ❌Abandoning Afghanistan AND THE LIST GOES ON & ON & ON! Joe needs to take a page from the Grinch this Christmas and have a "change of heart” ASAP. Link to image”

Miller (R-IL-15) 12/15/2021: Retweet of @virginiafoxx – “Almost a year of hearing "Build Back Better" from the Biden Administration, but here's what Americans got instead: Inflation. Rising Crime. Critical Race Theory. Parents being targeted. The border crisis. The Afghanistan crisis. Gas prices. "Build Back Better" is snake oil.”

Pfluger (R-TX-11) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “We have: ❌Skyrocketing inflation ❌Americans STILL stranded in Afghanistan ❌Impending energy crisis ❌Record-breaking illegal border crossings We're not addressing ANY of these major crises in Congress today.”

Pocan (D-WI-2) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “This just isn't right. Can't kill two people and profit from it. It's so wrong. Link to quoted tweetHUGE NEWS! @ThisIsKyleR Is Now CONFIRMED To Speak At the Biggest, Greatest Freedom Party Ever! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 This Event Is Gonna Be Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen…DON'T MISS OUT! #AMFEST2021 APPLY 👉 (AMERICAFEST - Turning Point USA) (Link to twitter.com)”

Blackburn (R-TN) 12/15/2021: Tweet – “Joe Biden's administration has admitted Americans are still stranded in Afghanistan. Biden has abandoned Americans for over 100 days and counting.”

Ernst (R-IA) 12/14/2021: Retweet of @johnondrasik – “Wonderful idea Senators! Everyone, wear the Green Ribbon to support American Citizens, SIV Holders, & Afghan Allies STILL abandoned in Afghanistan until they are out! Thank You 4 your bipartisan leadership! @SenBlumenthal @SenJoniErnst @LindseyGrahamSC @GarySinise #KeepThePromise Link to image”

Graham (R-SC) 12/14/2021: Twitter thread – “When you think it can't get any worse from the Biden Administration – it does.   White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki responded to a question about stranded American citizens in Afghanistan by noting that the United States doesn't track Americans abroad. Her answer was not very reassuring to the families whose loved ones are trapped behind enemy lines under Afghan Taliban terrorists' control because of the incompetence of the Biden Administration. Expressing concern about Americans and our Afghan allies living in fear of the Afghan Taliban is not the same as tracking Americans abroad – helping those we left behind is the only action that a nation who believes in honor can take. If we abandon those who fought bravely along our side against radical Islam, who will help us in the future? What a sad state of affairs. This is the best evidence yet that the Biden Administration is trying to wash their hands of the debacle they created in Afghanistan. It will not work because Americans and honorable people around the world will continue to call on the Administration to fulfill its commitment to help those who helped us in difficult times.”

Graham (R-SC) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “@SenatorShaheen and I had a very productive meeting today with Angelina Jolie regarding the plight of Afghan women and religious minorities.   Our nation and the international community need to work together to avoid a humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan. Link to image We will be working with our colleagues and Administration officials to develop a coordinated U.S. response, hopefully in conjunction with the international community, to help the Afghan people through this winter and beyond. We appreciate all the work Ms. Jolie has done and her dedication to help the long-suffering Afghan people.”

Shaheen (D-NH) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “.@LindseyGrahamSC and I met w/ Angelina Jolie today to discuss what's at stake for Afghan women. There is bipartisan commitment in the Senate to protect Afghan women & girls from the Taliban's violence. Our full statement: Link to image”

Shaheen (D-NH) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “Today, I met with Angelina Jolie & @LindseyGrahamSC to discuss 2 critical issues impacting women at home & abroad: ✅Reauthorizing #VAWA, the landmark bill to support victims of sexual & domestic violence. ✅Protecting the rights & safety of Afghan women under Taliban control. Link to image”

Other - Middle East

Greene (R-GA-14) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “Mocking Americans. Equating America with terrorists. Downplaying 9/11: “Some people did something” And now she wants to condemn others? Do they want you to forget? Who are the real bigots? The Jihad Squad. And we will NEVER forget. Link to video”

Jones (D-NY-17) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “QAnon is extreme and irrational. The Muslim faith is not. Link to quoted tweet1. I will be voting NO on @IlhanMN's Submission Bill. Phobia is an extreme or irrational fear. It's not irrational to fear Islamic terrorism or a religion that states it's goal is world domination and the death of infidels.”

Upton (R-MI-6) 12/14/2021: Tweet – “For months, the Biden Admin has resorted to importing oil & gas from the Middle East, Russia, & even China to solve their policy blunders. I suggest that we encourage American energy production here at home that will actually lower gas prices and heating bills for folks in #MI06. Link to quoted tweetIf Democrats are serious about lowering gas prices for American families, then they should support encouraging oil and gas development and production here at home. Will they vote to promote American energy independence and help lower costs for families? (Link to twitter.com)”