Members on the Record (Automated) for Thu August 11, 2022

Israel - Palestine

Cheney (R-WY-0) 08/11/2022: Tweet – “It was wonderful to meet with local AIPAC members at the Jackson Hole Jewish Community Center. I will never waver in my support for a strong US- Israel relationship and Israel's right to defend herself. Link to image”

Cornyn (R-TX) 08/10/2022: Retweet of @DrOz – “It's no surprise that a radical left anti-Israel website is praising John Fetterman for not standing up for Israel. This comes after far-left J Street endorses him. John Fetterman is no friend of Israel. I will stand up and fight for Israel. Surprising number of U.S. politicians didn't show up for Israel this time... | mondoweiss.net”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “I'm pleased the Pentagon maintained the requirement that the US Security Coordinator for Israel & the PA be a 3-star general, which strengthens the USSC's ability to promote security cooperation and stability between Israel & the PA and reflects the US' commitment to the region.”

Meng (D-NY-6) 08/10/2022: In reply to Tweet@JoshuaLKramer @epost1020 @RepGraceMeng @DavidHarrisAJC @AJCGlobal @Grace4NY @Marisa_Bearak @kuhnsdune @j_laskowitz @KarlaBonne Sometimes I really miss being Rep Meng's constituent! – “@SusieTVaddict @JoshuaLKramer @epost1020 @RepGraceMeng @DavidHarrisAJC @AJCGlobal @Marisa_Bearak @kuhnsdune @j_laskowitz @KarlaBonne We miss u too! Link to replyThank you @RepGraceMeng and @DavidHarrisAJC for a lively lunchtime conversation with AJC New York LEAD Fellows! We at @AJCGlobal are proud of our deep friendship with the Congresswoman and hope to continue to work together with her on our priorities for years to come. (Link to twitter.com) @JoshuaLKramer @RepGraceMeng @DavidHarrisAJC @AJCGlobal @Marisa_Bearak @kuhnsdune @j_laskowitz @KarlaBonne Always an honor and very grateful for @DavidHarrisAJC and @AJCGlobal's leadership and inclusive collaboration”

Omar (D-MN-5) 08/10/2022: Retweet of @JvpAction – “Mazel tov to @IlhanMN on her re-election! A progressive leader who is fighting for human rights and justice for all people - from Minneapolis to Palestine - all while overcoming ugly attacks. We stand with Ilhan. Link to image”

Rubio (R-FL) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “Israel's Iron Dome stopped 380 rockets from landing in Israel over the weekend, saving countless lives in both Arab and Jewish communities. Sen. Rubio stands with #Israel and will fight to fund the Iron Dome and defend the Israeli people from Iran-backed terrorists. 🇮🇱 🇺🇸”

Scott (R-SC) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “The U.S., Israel, & our Arab allies remain concerned about the threat of a nuclear Iran. It's vital to keep sanctions on this unstable & dangerous regime. Scott, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Solidify U.S. Sanctions on Iran | U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina”

Syria

Cardin (D-MD) 08/10/2022: Twitter thread – “The US must always stand for the highest levels of global press freedom, and we must never forget the many brave journalists, including Austin Tice, who have sacrificed their lives or their freedoms in pursuit of the truth. #AustinTice #BringAustinHome #PressFreedom Link to image This is why I have worked to establish a national memorial for fallen journalists in our nation's capital and why I continue to support efforts to find and free journalists like #AustinTice who risked everything to report objectively from Syria. #BringAustinHome #PressFreedom”

Cruz (R-TX) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “It has been 10 years since Austin Tice was kidnapped in Syria. The US govt must keep pursuing all avenues to end his unjust detention and bring him home. I continue to pray for him and his family, and for his release.”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “Proud that @POTUS and @SecBlinken are committed to and prioritizing these Americans. I look forward to continuing to work w/ @StateSPEHA & the entire Biden Admin to bring home Austin Tice, Emad Shargi, Paul Whelan, and every American held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. Link to quoted tweetAmerican journalist Austin Tice has spent a decade in captivity in Syria. I am committed to bringing home all U.S. hostages and wrongful detainees abroad and will continue to pursue the release of Austin and other U.S. hostages in Syria.”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 08/10/2022: Twitter thread – “LR @RepMcCaul calls for the release of Austin Tice ahead of the 10th anniversary of his abduction in Syria. #FreeAustinTice ⬇️ Link to image See the full release here. ⬇️ McCaul Calls for Release of Austin Tice Ahead of 10th Anniversary of Abduction - Committee on Foreign Affairs”

Menendez (D-NJ) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “For 10 years we have demanded the Syrian regime release American journalist #AustinTice. It is time for Syria to let him go. Our commitment to him & to his family remains ironclad. We cannot rest until we bring home all Americans wrongfully detained abroad. Link to quoted tweetAmerican journalist Austin Tice has spent a decade in captivity in Syria. I am committed to bringing home all U.S. hostages and wrongful detainees abroad and will continue to pursue the release of Austin and other U.S. hostages in Syria.”

Risch (R-ID) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “It has been 10 years since U.S. journalist and veteran #AustinTice was kidnapped in #Syria. Austin was fearless in his pursuit of the truth of #Assad's crimes and corruption. This is a good week for the Biden Admin to #BringAustinHome.”

Shaheen (D-NH) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “It's been 10 years since American journalist Austin Tice was kidnapped in Syria. Today, I'm joining @POTUS' call for the Syrian government to work with us to bring Austin home. I'm committed to bringing home all Americans held hostage & wrongfully detained abroad.”

Van Hollen (D-MD) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “Brave journalists in conflict zones, like Austin, risk their lives to bring us the truth. We should do everything in our power to ensure their safety as they report the facts. And we must redouble our efforts to #BringAustinHome to his family. Link to quoted tweetBiden says U.S. knows ‘with certainty' that Syria is holding Austin Tice, renews call for journalist's release (Biden says U.S. knows that Syria is holding Austin Tice, again calls for journalist's release... | washingtonpost.com)”

Iran

Bacon (R-NE-2) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “Iran was planning to assassinate Mike Pompeo and John Bolton. These are the same Iranians this Administration is negotiating with. The Iran regime is a terrorist state and a threat to us and our Allies.”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 08/11/2022: Tweet – “Tehran is actively plotting to assassinate Americans, and Moscow is invading its neighbor—bombing and shelling cities and villages. And yet, the U.S. is offering billions of dollars to both these terrorists in a so-called nuclear deal. Unbelievable! Five Minutes from Disaster... | thedispatch.com”

Bilirakis (R-FL-12) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “ICYMI- My RANSOMWARE bill recently passed. It will strengthen the federal government's efforts to respond to recent ransomware and other cyber-attacks from foreign adversaries, such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.Bilirakis' Cybersecurity and Ransomware Bill Passes House... | floridianpress.com”

Cornyn (R-TX) 08/11/2022: Retweet of @RepTonyGonzales – “The Biden Administration continues to negotiate with Iran's regime as they attempt to kill Americans on U.S. soil. Iranian National Sought to Kill John Bolton, U.S. Says... | wsj.com”

Cruz (R-TX) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “Joe Biden is working to give 100s of billions of dollars to Iran's terrorist regime, while it tries to murder former American officials on U.S. soil. Just a few days ago he waived nuclear sanctions on the regime so they can work with Russia building up their nuclear program. Link to quoted tweetNEW: A member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was charged by DOJ in a murder-for-hire plot to assassinate former Trump national security adviser John Bolton, a brazen effort likely launched in retaliation for the U.S. strike against Soleimani. (Member of Iranian terror group plotted to assassinate John Bolton: DOJ... | washingtonexaminer.com)”

Fallon (R-TX-4) 08/11/2022: Retweet of @HASCRepublicans – “Yet, the Biden administration still wants to revive the failed Iran nuclear deal. Even as Iran sends drones to Russia and actively plots to assassinate American officials. Iran Has Begun Training Russia to Use Its Advanced Drones, U.S. Says... | wsj.com”

Gonzales (R-TX-23) 08/11/2022: Tweet – “The Biden Administration continues to negotiate with Iran's regime as they attempt to kill Americans on U.S. soil. Iranian National Sought to Kill John Bolton, U.S. Says... | wsj.com”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “LR @RepMcCaul: "As the admin pushes for a bad deal w/ Iran, @DOJ charges a member of the IRGC for an assassination plot against former NSA John Bolton. This comes after the latest threat against Masih Alinejad. The admin should walk away from nuke talks & prioritize Americans.””

McCaul (R-TX-10) 08/10/2022: Retweet of @SenateForeign – “This is yet another example of incoherent policy from the Biden White House. The admin's tireless pursuit of an already dead nuclear deal w/ #Iran continues to fuel Iranian support for #Putin's assault on #Ukraine. Russians have begun training on Iranian drones, US believes... | cnn.com”

Pfluger (R-TX-11) 08/10/2022: Twitter thread – “This is the same Tehran that the Biden administration is attempting to re-enter a nuclear weapons agreement with. It's ignorant to believe that a regime actively plotting the assassination of former U.S. Government officials is a good faith negotiator. Link to quoted tweetBREAKING: Iranian operative charged in alleged plot to assassinate John Bolton (Iranian operative charged in alleged plot to assassinate John Bolton... | fxn.ws) Thank you to @SecretService for the tireless work they do protecting current and former government officials.”

Risch (R-ID) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “This is yet another example of incoherent policy from the Biden White House. The admin's tireless pursuit of an already dead nuclear deal w/ #Iran continues to fuel Iranian support for #Putin's assault on #Ukraine. Russians have begun training on Iranian drones, US believes... | cnn.com”

Rubio (R-FL) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “Why is Biden still negotiating with Iran on a new “deal” when he knows they are actively trying to assassinate former government officials on U.S. soil? Member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Charged... | justice.gov”

Saudi Arabia

Beyer (D-VA-8) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “Happy to see the news that UAE has reportedly overturned the prison sentence for Asim Ghafoor. Will be monitoring next steps closely, and thankful for the advocacy and leadership of @RepWexton and our other colleagues seeking justice in this case. UAE overturns prison sentence for American convicted of money laundering... | reuters.com   Link to quoted tweetJust now: standing with my colleagues @RepWexton @RepLloydDoggett @RepSwalwell to bring attention to the case of Asim Ghafoor, an American citizen, Virginia resident, and former legal counsel to Jamal Khashoggi, who was arrested by the United Arab Emirates earlier this month. (Link to twitter.com)”

Sessions (R-TX-17) 08/10/2022: Retweet of @ASP – “Following President Biden's recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where does the United States' relationship stand with the Kingdom? Hear @RepAndreCarson & Rep. @PeteSessions discuss human rights, oil exports, and how those choices impact the U.S. 🔗 A Starting Point... | l8r.it   Link to video”

Iraq

Cleaver (D-MO-5) 08/11/2022: Tweet – “Millions more American veterans now have access to vital healthcare and essential benefits thanks to the @POTUS signing the #PACTAct. This is what putting #PeopleOverPolitics looks like! Link to quoted tweetPresident Joe Biden, whose elder son Beau died of cancer years after deploying to Iraq, signed legislation on Wednesday expanding federal health care services for millions of veterans who served at military bases where toxic smoke billowed from huge "burn pits." (Link to twitter.com)”

Crow (D-CO-6) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “It's our solemn responsibility to care for our country's veterans & for too long we've fallen short. Soldiers I served alongside in Iraq & Afghanistan are suffering the effects of toxic exposure. Because of the PACT Act, our veterans will start getting care they need & deserve. Link to quoted tweetToday is long overdue, but we got it done together. The Heath Robinson PACT Act is the law of the land. And for veterans and military families, today represents hope that our vets get better care – faster – when they return home. (Link to twitter.com)”

Klobuchar (D-MN) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “In 2017, we lost Amie Muller to pancreatic cancer after her exposure to toxic burn pits in Iraq. She left behind 3 kids & her husband Brian. He made it his mission to support other vets suffering from toxic exposure. Today, President Biden signed a bill that does just that. Link to image”

Mast (R-FL-18) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “Veterans waited too long for this day. Finally, the PACT Act - including my Burn Pit Transparency Act - is law. Those exposed to burn pits will be able to get the care they need. We won't force Iraq & Afghanistan vets into the same battle Vietnam vets fought with Agent Orange.”

Murphy (D-CT) 08/10/2022: Twitter thread – “I greatly respect General Patraeus, but there is real danger is allowing the magical thinking of "if we had spent more money or stayed longer everything would have been fine" to persist. 1/ A few thoughts on why "more" wouldn't have fixed Afghanistan. Afghanistan Did Not Have to Turn Out This Way... | theatlantic.com 2/ Patraeus says the problem was a) we refused to stay longer; b) we spent too little $ and on the wrong stuff; and c) we didn't understand Afghanistan. What he fails to realize is that (a) and (b) don't matter if (c) is true. 3/ From the start, we didn't understand Afghanistan, a country wildly different from and more complicated than Iraq. And our structure of rotating generals and soldiers in and out 12 months at a time meant that we were destined to never learn Afghanistan. 4/ Every time I visited Afghanistan, a new smart general would explain to me why the previous general screwed up and how his new plan (derived from maybe 30 days of on-the-ground learning) would get things on the right track. 5/ The "can do" spirit of our military is its greatest strength and liability. In Afghanistan, the military's failed to understand that a paper thin understanding of Afghan culture and society was destined to lead to planning failure. But, admirably, they couldn't accept failure. 6/ But if you don't know how to properly spend money, who to partner with, how to build sustainable governments, etc, than there's no amount of money that will fix a fundamentally flawed strategy. 7/ More importantly, there was likely NEVER going to be a plan - even if it was informed by a better cultural understanding - that could impose a foreign power's will on Afghanistan. Sometimes, there is no American plan that will work. 8/ For centuries, the Afghans have resisted conquest and control. The power and strength of the instinct to fight America and the West was always going to be stronger than the willingness to work with us. Resistance is in the soul of Afghanistan. 9/ Finally, there was no world in which Biden could have just "stuck it out". That would have required tens of thousands more troops and a resumption of deadly fighting with the Taliban. And the design flaws of the first 20 years wouldn't have vanished if we stayed longer. 10/ The invasion of Afghanistan was just. But the right path would have been a quicker exit rather than a 20 year occupation. The continued magical thinking that we could have won Afghanistan if we stayed longer is bound to get us into trouble later. Hubris breeds hubris.”

Morocco

Wild (D-PA-7) 08/11/2022: Twitter thread – “With passport assistance from my team, @cedarcrestcolle was able to travel to Morocco for its 5th annual Sophomore Expedition! For so many students, this was their first time on an airplane or traveling out of the country. Check out Sophomore Emma's highlights from the trip 👇 Link to video If you need assistance obtaining or renewing a passport, my team of constituent advocates may be able to help. ☎️ Allentown: 484-781-6000 ☎️ Easton: 610-333-1170 ☎️ Stroudsburg: 570-807-0333 🖥️ Link to wild.house.gov”

Horn of Africa

Jones (D-NY-17) 08/10/2022: Twitter thread – “Let's shoot for a court in Carroll Gardens near my place. How about a round of H.O.R.S.E and some Ethiopian food after? 😉 Link to quoted tweet.@MondaireJones, you pick the court 🏀 #NY10 #NYDebate (Link to twitter.com)   Link to reply@MondaireJones What's the best Ethiopian restaurant in CG? @chriswaldron Awash on Court Street.”

Sudan

Menendez (D-NJ) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “News flash: leadership in Juba has overstayed its welcome & South Sudan's stalled peace process needs a reboot. Continuing to detain @VOASouthSudan journalist Diing Magot can't hide that. I call for her immediate release. Link to quoted tweetWe call on authorities to immediately release detained journalist @dmagot a reporter for the @VOASouthSudan who has been detained since Aug. 7 when she was covering a peaceful protest in Juba. We affirm the right of journalists to do their jobs without interference or harm. #SSOT (Link to twitter.com)”

Jewish, Anti-semitism

Adams (D-NC-12) 08/11/2022: Tweet – “Five years ago today, white nationalists descended on Charlottesville, VA. While the polo shirts and tiki torches were ridiculed in subsequent years, Charlottesville was a sad reminder that anti-Semitism and racism continue to fuel hate that should have no place in our society.”

Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “Bend the Arc is a tireless force for justice in the progressive movement and in Jewish communities. I'm proud and honored to work alongside them.   @jewishaction, mazel tov on selecting a powerful new CEO in @amyspitalnick. #WelcomeAmy”

Lawrence (D-MI-14) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “It was a pleasure to join the Coalition for Black Jewish Unity in Farmington Hills, MI and an honor to receive their award. Intolerance against injustice must be a consistent effort. Link to image”

Maloney (D-NY-12) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “Today I joined my friend @GovKathyHochul at a bill signing ceremony for her legislation to ensure we teach about the Holocaust in NYS to #NeverForget. This law bolsters my Never Again Education Act made law in 2020 which combats hatred and anti-semitism through education. Link to image”

Meng (D-NY-6) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “Visited the Bais Yosef D'Ulem synagogue in #KewGardensHills that sustained damage from a recent fire. Toured the damage and discussed with synagogue leaders the repairs that need to be made. Fortunately, there were no injuries. Link to image”

Meng (D-NY-6) 08/10/2022: In reply to TweetWhether it be a simcha or a tragedy, when the Jewish community calls, Grace has always shown up. (Link to twitter.com) – “@DanRosenthalNYC It's an honor working and partnering with you!”

Nadler (D-NY-10) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “Today, I proudly joined @GovKathyHochul as she signed the Holocaust Education Bill into law. With antisemitism and Holocaust misinformation increasing around the world, it's more important than ever that future generations receive meaningful education on the Holocaust. Link to image”

Sherman (D-CA-30) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “Today we commemorate the anniversary of the tragic North Valley Jewish Community Center shooting that left an indelible mark on our community. We honor Joseph Ileto, the survivors & reaffirm our resolve to continue the fight against violence, bigotry & hatred in all its forms.”

Zeldin (R-NY-1) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “Can Hochul really be this out to lunch & clueless about why NY leads the entire nation in population loss? If she stopped crushing freedoms, spending money like a drunken sailor, supporting cashless bail, & backing up rogue DAs like Alvin Bragg, New York could then be saved. Link to quoted tweetGov. Kathy Hochul jokes about Jews fleeing to Florida, pokes at Ron DeSantis during Holocaust event (Gov. Kathy Hochul jokes about Jews fleeing to Florida, pokes at Ron...... | trib.al) (Link to twitter.com)”

Afghanistan

Blumenthal (D-CT) 08/11/2022: Twitter thread – “The #AfghanAdjustmentAct will provide safe haven for Afghans fleeing Taliban persecution. Our bipartisan bill fulfills a moral obligation to those who sacrificed in support of the US mission, helping our troops&diplomats. These at-risk Afghans deserve a clear path to citizenship. These Afghan allies worked as journalists, translators, non-profit workers, guards, & interpreters—as well as other dangerous professions that put their & their families' lives on the line. This effort is urgent as their situation is increasingly desperate. I am especially proud to have authored language in the bill that will expand eligibility for the SIV program to members of the Afghan Special Forces, including the Female Tactical Teams. The idea developed from the work my office has been doing w/several US vets & servicemembers who fought alongside these Afghans & who've spent the last year trying to get them to safety. I'm honored to work w/them to fulfill our moral obligation to those who fought alongside us.”

Coons (D-DE) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “70,000 Afghans who came to the US in the last year are stuck in legal limbo. Congress needs to join me and pass the Afghan Adjustment Act, my bipartisan bill that will offer stability and certainty as they begin their lives here in America. Bipartisan bill would end Afghan evacuees' legal limbo... | thehill.com”

Peters (D-CA-52) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “We have an obligation to provide our Afghan partners stability through temporary humanitarian status & access to other critical resources. As an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act, I support helping vulnerable Afghans who start a new life in the U.S. Link to quoted tweetOur Afghan allies put their lives at risk to help the U.S., & they need protection & stability. Our bipartisan, bicameral Afghan Adjustment Act should become law without delay. More info: (Lofgren, Blumenauer, Meijer, Nadler, Kinzinger, Miller-Meeks, Crow, Upton, Peters Introduce the Afghan Adjustment Act in the House... | bit.ly) (Link to twitter.com)”

Risch (R-ID) 08/11/2022: Twitter thread – “In the year since #Kabul fell to the #Taliban, we still don't have full answers as to how the Biden Admin failed to see it coming & did not plan to evacuate Americans & Afghan partners. Risch: One Year After Fall of Kabul, We Have No Answers | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Tens of thousands of Americans, U.S. Legal Permanent Residents, and at-risk Afghans are still left behind in #Afghanistan. This includes American veteran #MarkFrerichs who continues to be held hostage despite the Biden Admin's many capitulations to the #Taliban. #HumanRights have plummeted in #Afghanistan. Women and girls are still unable to return to school. Former Afghan officials and journalists are also being targeted and executed by the #Taliban. Risch, Menendez, Shaheen, Ernst Urge UN to Hold Taliban Accountable for Brazen Attacks on Human Rights of Afghan Women, Girls | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Counterterrorism concerns in #Afghanistan continue to grow. The #Taliban's harboring of al-Zawahri highlights how it cannot be trusted to hold its commitments. Terrorists held at #Guantanamo have also been released, giving them the opportunity to return to the battlefield. American credibility with allies and partners has still not recovered after the Biden Admin's hazardous withdrawal from #Afghanistan. The admin also refuses to accept responsibility for the bungled evacuation. It's clear it hasn't learned lessons from this catastrophe. It's been a year & we have yet to see any comprehensive reports or policy corrections. The admin should focus on developing a comprehensive counterterrorism plan, safeguarding #humanrights, & creating guardrails on U.S. assistance to prevent direct benefit to the #Taliban. For more information on what went wrong in the planning and execution of the Biden Administration's hazardous withdrawal from #Afghanistan, you can read my report from February here: | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “As we approach the one-year anniversary of Biden's disastrous withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan, it's more important than ever that we get answers about what happened. After all, 62% of Americans disapprove of how Biden handled the withdrawal. We need accountability!”

Wicker (R-MS) 08/10/2022: Tweet – “Next week marks one year since the disastrous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The world will be feeling the reverberations of President Biden's mistake for years to come.”

Other - Middle East

Miller (R-IL-15) 08/11/2022: Tweet – “The DC "establishment" hates Trump because he exposed their incompetence. Trump defeated ISIS. He made the US energy independent. He secured the border. He signed Middle East Peace! The DC "experts" said this was all impossible. They hate him so much for proving them WRONG!”

Waltz (R-FL-6) 08/11/2022: Retweet of @MorningsMaria – “.@michaelgwaltz: "The intelligence community is clear, al Qaeda and ISIS are rebuilding, and they plan to hit us again. This administration has no plan to deal with it." @MariaBartiromo @FoxBusiness Link to video”