Members on the Record (Automated) for Thu December 15, 2022

Last updated on Thu December 15, 2022 at 12:46 PM Washington DC time.


Israel - Palestine

Rubio (R-FL) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “Sen. Rubio, Sen. @GrassleyPress, and colleagues sent a letter to @TheJusticeDept and @FBI Director Christopher Wray warning them against using taxpayer dollars to undercut and politicize #Israel's investigative efforts. Read more ⬇️ Rubio, Grassley, Colleagues Warn FBI Against Politically-Charged Investigation of Israeli Defense Forces... | rubio.senate.gov


Apartheid

Cotton (R-AR) 12/14/2022: Retweet of @MorganOrtagus – “Victory! The Iranian regime has been kicked off the UN Women's Commission! At last a small but important measure of accountability against the Islamic Republic of Iran for their gender apartheid and crimes against women. Link to image


Iran

Brown (D-OH-11) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “Iran's removal from @UNWomen_MSUMUN today is a victory heard around the world. To the women and girls of Iran: You will be heard, and we are here to listen.

Cicilline (D-RI-1) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “The Iranian regime has oppressed women since it came to power and should never have had a seat on the @UN_CSW. Today's vote shows the int'l community's support for the brave Iranian women & girls who, despite the regime's brutality, continue to fight for their rights & freedom. Link to quoted tweetU.N. member states voted to oust Iran from its women's rights panel, backing a resolution the U.S. introduced after Tehran's crackdown on protests. The resolution passed with 29 votes to oust Iran and eight votes against. Sixteen countries abstained. (U.N. member states vote to oust Iran from women's rights panel... | politico.com)

Frankel (D-FL-21) 12/14/2022: Retweet of @VP – “Today's vote to remove Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women is a victory for those protesting in Iran and all of those who stand with them. The unmistakable message is this: the world is listening and taking action. The women and girls of Iran will be heard.

Hinson (R-IA-1) 12/15/2022: Tweet – “Horrifying.   Amir, and other brave protestors who now face a death sentence for calling for basic human rights, must be released.   I stand with the Iranian people who are risking their lives to fight for freedom over oppression. Iranian soccer player sentenced to death after protesting... | nypost.com

Khanna (D-CA-17) 12/14/2022: Twitter thread – “I wrote to @SecBlinken and @SecYellen calling for urgent action in response to the regime's violent repression of peaceful protests in Iran & calling for protections for Iranians fleeing persecution, including Iran's national soccer team. Link to image   ‘The votes weren't there' for Sanders' Yemen resolution... | politico.com   Link to image

Lieu (D-CA-33) 12/14/2022: Retweet of @RepKManning – “Proud to join @RepTedLieu on a bipartisan letter supporting the urgent removal of Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women. We stand with the brave Iranian women and girls who have been brutally oppressed while protesting for their fundamental human rights. Link to quoted tweet

Lieu (D-CA-33) 12/14/2022: Retweet of @USAmbUN – “NEWS: UN Member States just voted to remove Iran from the Commission on the Status of Women. Iranian women and activists called on us to do this – and today, we got it done.

Lieu (D-CA-33) 12/14/2022: Retweet of @RepKManning – “Proud to join @RepTedLieu on a bipartisan letter supporting the urgent removal of Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women. We stand with the brave Iranian women and girls who have been brutally oppressed while protesting for their fundamental human rights. Link to quoted tweet

Long (R-MO-7) 12/15/2022: Tweet – “Iranian Soccer Star Latest to Face Execution for Protesting... | newsmax.com

McCaul (R-TX-10) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “LR @RepMcCaul: “Iran's removal from the UN Commission on the Status of Women is long overdue. The Iranian regime oppresses and abuses women – the regime has no place in an organization related to the rights of women.”

Meeks (D-NY-5) 12/14/2022: Retweet of @USAmbUN – “NEWS: UN Member States just voted to remove Iran from the Commission on the Status of Women. Iranian women and activists called on us to do this – and today, we got it done.

Menendez (D-NJ) 12/14/2022: Twitter thread – “I applaud the members of @UNECOSOC who joined the US in voting to remove #Iran from the @UN_CSW Commission on the Status of Women for its grave assault on women's #humanrights. Link to quoted tweet#BREAKING: #Iran's regime has been ousted from @UN_CSW. Proud of the U.S. which led this initiative. This is a good day for brave Iranian women and girls. But this should only be seen as a first step at accountability. #MahsaAmini (Link to twitter.com) Grateful to Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse members for joining the US in condemning #Iran's violence against women. Link to quoted tweetIranian women and girls bravely lead protests despite Iranian authorities' use of tech-facilitated #GBV to threaten and silence them. The U.S. and the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment & Abuse call for an end to this practice. (Joint Statement Through the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse on Standing with the Women and Girls of Iran - United States Department of State)

Meng (D-NY-6) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “Proud to sign @RepTedLieu's letter. I welcome the removal of Iran from the UN's Commission on the Status of Women. Link to quoted tweetThe Iranian regime's abuses of protesters are appalling and a direct attack on the rights of women and girls. Led a bipartisan letter to @SecBlinken & @USAmbUN expressing support for the Biden Admin's efforts to remove Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Read: (Link to twitter.com)

Merkley (D-OR) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “It is critical that the world come together in condemning Iran's human rights abuses. I stand in solidarity with Iranians demanding their fundamental rights. Link to quoted tweetToday's vote to remove Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women is a victory for those protesting in Iran and all of those who stand with them. The unmistakable message is this: the world is listening and taking action. The women and girls of Iran will be heard.

Padilla (D-CA) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “Glad to see the House pass my bill, the Iran Hostages Congressional Gold Medal Act.     This tribute to honor the Americans held captive during the 1979 Iranian Hostage Crisis, is long overdue.   The bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.

Rosen (D-NV) 12/14/2022: Retweet of @VP – “Today's vote to remove Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women is a victory for those protesting in Iran and all of those who stand with them. The unmistakable message is this: the world is listening and taking action. The women and girls of Iran will be heard.

Rubio (R-FL) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “Today, the House passed Sen. Rubio & @SenAlexPadilla's bill to bestow Congress's highest award to the 52 Americans, including 3 Floridians, who were held hostage by the evil Iranian regime from 1979 to 1981. This is a welcome step to pay homage to these deserving Americans.

Schakowsky (D-IL-9) 12/15/2022: Tweet – “We stand with Iranian women always. Link to quoted tweetToday's vote to remove Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women is a victory for those protesting in Iran and all of those who stand with them. The unmistakable message is this: the world is listening and taking action. The women and girls of Iran will be heard.

Schiff (D-CA-28) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “Sickened that Iran is publicly executing dissidents. Such violence aims to terrorize all who would defy this regime. It's why I led legislation demanding Iran free all political prisoners, including peaceful protesters. Iran must face new sanctions for crimes against humanity.

Shaheen (D-NH) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “The Iranian regime has violated fundamental rights for millions of women & girls. Ousting Iran from the @UN_CSW is an important signal to the women of Iran that we stand with them and against regime's violence. U.N. member states vote to oust Iran from women's rights panel... | politico.com

Suozzi (D-NY-3) 12/14/2022: Twitter thread – “BREAKING: The Iran Hostages Congressional Gold Medal Act is now heading to the President's desk! (1/2) Link to image These American heroes were held captive for 444 days by Iranian militants. Despite being tortured and held in solitary confinenment, they refused to denounce or sign fraudulent statements condemning the United States. These American heroes deserve this honor. (2/2)

Suozzi (D-NY-3) 12/14/2022: Twitter thread – “The Iran Hostages Congressional Gold Medal Act. 43 years ago, Iranian student militants stormed the US Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage and holding them captive for 444 days. (1/2) Link to video Before today's passage of the Iran Hostages Congressional Gold Medal Act, I spoke on the House floor in support of my bipartisan and bicameral legislation to reward these American heroes with the Congressional Gold Medal. (2/2)

Tenney (R-NY-22) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “The women of Iran have spoken, and finally the world is starting to listen. Iran being expelled from the UN Commission on the Status of Women is a small yet significant victory. Free the women of Iran and hold the mullahs accountable!


Egypt

Merkley (D-OR) 12/15/2022: Tweet – “As leaders gather in D.C. for the #USAfricaSummit, the U.S. must call out human rights abuses wherever and whenever they occur—including from key security partners, like Egypt. @AlsisiOfficial must release all of Egypt's political prisoners. #FreeThemAll


Iraq

Gallego (D-AZ-7) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “Pick up this great book about the Marines of 3/2. We fought alongside them in Operation Matador. Lima Company and 3/2 Marines will forever be bonded. #semperfi Bastards & Brothers: Marines and the Fight for Al-Qaim, Iraq Bastards & Brothers: Marines and the Fight for Al-Qaim, Iraq... | a.co

Kim (R-CA-39) 12/14/2022: Twitter thread – “Great news! My bill to rename a #Placentia post office after U.S. Army PFC Jang Ho Kim just passed the House. We can enjoy our freedoms because of the sacrifice of those who have served. I'm thrilled we are one step closer to preserving his story. Link to image PFC Kim was a Korean immigrant & Valencia High School graduate in #Placentia who attended Fullerton College before joining the Army. He was tragically killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq. His found possessions included a watch, dog tag & a coin with Ephesians 6:12. Link to image While PFC Kim left us too soon, his life was not lived in vain, & he lives on through his loved ones, others he inspired to serve and all those who share his story. We remember his name & his embodiment of Ephesians 6:12.


Turkey

Cornyn (R-TX) 12/15/2022: Tweet – “Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was convicted of insulting public officials ahead of the country's presidential election next year.. Istanbul Mayor, an Erdogan Opponent, Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Prison... | wsj.com via @WSJ

Menendez (D-NJ) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “The Turkish regime's sentencing of opposition leader @ekrem_imamoglu demonstrates Turkey's continued descent toward autocracy. Free elections are the lifeblood of democracy. Erdogan cannot bar his political opponents from office & at the same time pretend to share our values. Link to quoted tweetIstanbul Mayor Imamoglu jailed for insulting public officials (Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu jailed for insulting public officials... | bbc.in)


Morocco

Omar (D-MN-5) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “Morocco 🇲🇦 might have not advanced to the World Cup finals but they're still winners in the hearts of the millions of people who finally had a team in their part of the world to root for in the semifinals. Thank you for inspiring a generation! Mabruuk Morocco ❤️🥳


Tunisia

Sherman (D-CA-30) 12/15/2022: Twitter thread – “This week, I had a chance to engage with many African heads of state and foreign ministers including #Tunisia President Saied, #Chad President Deby, #Rwanda Foreign Minister Biruta, and South #Sudan Foreign Minister Deng. [Thread] Link to image We discussed issues facing the continent, especially the importance of the African Union urging that #Eritrea remove its troops from #Tigray. I'm glad I also had a chance to talk to @SecBlinken about the need to pressure #Eritrea to remove its troops from #Tigray. I pointed out that there are not many ways to pressure #Eritrea, but that we could utilize a counter-shipping campaign -- prevent ships carrying luxury goods to #Eritrea (not food or medicine). By talking to ship owners, insurers, Flag States, and if necessary, even having our naval ships hail and query merchant vessels heading to or from #Eritrea. [End Thread]


Qatar

McCaul (R-TX-10) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “LR @RepMcCaul: "It's been over a yr since Biden's failed Afghanistan withdrawal & AMCITS are STILL left behind enemy lines. Meanwhile, the @StateDept is preparing for a long-term mission that will take yrs to bring Americans home." Link to quoted tweetGrateful to hear 364 Afghans, Americans & LPRs departed Doha yesterday for America – we welcome you! Your journey has been long and it has been hard – but your future is bright. A huge thanks to @MofaQatar_EN for supporting the Afghan people.


Yemen

Khanna (D-CA-17) 12/15/2022: Tweet – “.@K8Gould is a brilliant leader on foreign policy and has played such a critical role on Yemen policy, on protecting civilians in military conflict, and on human rights. She has a big future in shaping a more just foreign policy! Link to quoted tweet#MEPC40Under40 feature: @K8Gould is the Deputy Chief of Staff and Human Rights and National Security Advisor for @RepRoKhanna and a @TrumanProject Fellow. She was previously the Legislative Director for Middle East Policy at the @FCNL. Congratulations! (2023 40 Under 40 Awardees | Middle East Policy Council) (Link to twitter.com)

Meeks (D-NY-5) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “🚨STARTING NOW🚨 Join the Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa and Global Counterterrorism for a briefing on the political and humanitarian landscape in Yemen⬇️ Public Members Briefing on Navigating the Political and Humanitarian Landscape in Yemen: A Conversation with Civil Society on Paths Forward for Congress... | foreignaffairs.house.gov


Horn of Africa

Coons (D-DE) 12/15/2022: Tweet – “The future of conservation is being shaped in Africa, by Africans. Proud to join my friends Prince Harry and Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Desalegn in a new op-ed explaining how we can embrace new strategies to support local efforts. The Future of Conservation Is Taking Shape in Africa... | huffpost.com


Jewish, Anti-semitism

Bourdeaux (D-GA-7) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “Pleased to see @potus respond to our letter and take action to address rising antisemitism and violence. Link to quoted tweetAmid a surge of hateful rhetoric and violence, President Joe Biden on Monday formed a new group to develop a national strategy to combat antisemitism, the White House announced. (Biden forms interagency group to draft antisemitism strategy... | apnews.com)

Manning (D-NC-6) 12/14/2022: Retweet of @ReubenJones1 – ““It is unacceptable” FBI released its annual hate crime report this week but ~1/3 of law enforcement agencies did NOT submit data. FBI says its b/c a transition between reporting systems. @RepKManning says lack of data makes tracking antisemitism difficult. Story on Thursday Link to video

Menendez (D-NJ) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “We'll never get ahead of rising antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of extremism by only reacting to the latest incident. I applaud @POTUS for creating this working group to deliver the focused, consistent, proactive attention this issue demands. Biden forms interagency group to draft antisemitism strategy... | apnews.com

Rosen (D-NV) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “In order to combat rising antisemitism, we need a whole-of-government approach to tackle this scourge. At yesterday's @HelsinkiComm hearing, I urged greater interagency coordination, and shared the work I've been doing to combat anti-Jewish bigotry. Link to video

Schakowsky (D-IL-9) 12/15/2022: Tweet – “When @Amazon isn't peddling antisemitic films, they're wrecking our oceans. We need to strengthen our laws to ensure they are held to account. Amazon's plastic waste increased by 18 percent in 2021... | thehill.com

Slotkin (D-MI-8) 12/14/2022: Twitter thread – “In Michigan, anti-semitic threats of violence have doubled in the last year, including the incident at Temple Beth-El, where I had my bat mitzvah & my brother attended pre-school. Yesterday, I questioned @DHSgov officials about the need to proactively address these threats. Link to video After the incident at Temple Beth-El, Oakland County's Jewish community is holding a meeting with @FBI, @ADL & @MIAttyGen. With the threat of antisemitic violence growing, it's critical DHS lean in, closely monitor these risks & work w/ local officials to effectively respond.

Trone (D-MD-6) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “Thank you @POTUS, for forming an interagency task force to combat rising antisemitism. Hate has no place in America, and we ought to work together to stand forcefully against it. Link to quoted tweetPresident Biden established a new effort to combat antisemitism, beginning with the development of a national strategy. As @POTUS has made clear: hate has no place in America.


Afghanistan

Allred (D-TX-32) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “When I visited Afghanistan in 2019, I heard firsthand the impact that exposure to toxic substances has on our troops. That's why I worked to pass the #PACTAct and now veterans will get access to the care and benefits they need. Visit The PACT Act and your VA benefits | Veterans Affairs for more information. Link to quoted tweetNow that the Honoring our PACT Act is law, the hard work begins to ensure that every veteran, their families, survivors, and caregivers are aware of these monumental changes and can rightfully access the care and benefits they deserve. Chairman @RepMarkTakano ⬇️ (Link to twitter.com)

Burchett (R-TN-2) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “Biden Sends Pallets Of Cash To The Taliban - How Do You Think They Will Spend It? Biden Sends Pallets Of Cash To The Taliban - How Do You Think They Will Spend It?

Coons (D-DE) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “America made a promise to our Afghan allies and it must be kept. The Afghan Adjustment Act ensures they and their families have a path to security and stability here in America. Opinion | Afghan Allies Still Need America's Help

Hinson (R-IA-1) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “A @HouseGOP majority will investigate the Biden Administration's: ❌ Failed energy policies ❌ Open border agenda ❌ Reckless spending ❌ Botched Afghanistan withdrawal Accountability is weeks away.

Mast (R-FL-18) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “Reminder: it's been 471 days and no one has been fired over the Afghanistan withdrawal that took the lives of 13 servicemembers.

Meijer (R-MI-3) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “Awesome to see! The #AfghanAdjustmentAct MUST be included in the omnibus. This is a critical issue to the veterans community and has been worked on behind the scenes for months. We cannot further abandon the Afghan allies who risked their lives on behalf of our nation! Link to quoted tweetNew: A group of retired Ambassadors, all of whom served as Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Afghanistan, has written a letter to congressional leaders pushing them to include the Afghan Adjustment Act in the omnibus spending bill. The letter was organized by @afghanevac. (Link to twitter.com)

Meijer (R-MI-3) 12/15/2022: Retweet of @pptsapper – “The #AfghanAdjustmentAct is a national security bill that provides the stability our Afghan allies so desperately need. Over 70,000, brought here during the evacuation, are in limbo come the new year. Our allies put their lives on the line for a new vision of #Afghanistan

Moulton (D-MA-6) 12/14/2022: Retweet of @jimsciutto – “What's driving opposition on Capitol Hill to extending the SIV program for Afghan allies? Marine veteran Rep ⁦@sethmoulton⁩ calls it a “betrayal” and blames an “anti-immigrant, frankly, outright racist approach to this” by some of his colleagues. Link to video

Moulton (D-MA-6) 12/14/2022: Tweet – “Our bureaucracy is costing lives. This is a betrayal of our current allies. And it's a betrayal to our own troops, who will find it harder to gain the trust of local interpreters in the future. We have to fix this. How one family's struggle illustrates problems with the program meant to help Afghans who helped the US | CNN Politics

Moulton (D-MA-6) 12/15/2022: Tweet – ““Grassley may be carrying racist water for other Republicans” who oppose any Afghan immigration - or any immigration, period. He added “There are a lot of good Republicans who are vets who want to uphold our promises.” Will Congress really send 80,000 Afghans back to the Taliban? | Trudy Rubin

Murphy (R-NC-3) 12/15/2022: Tweet – “Biden's treasonous withdrawal from Afghanistan embolden Putin to invade Ukraine. Now, as America expends Billions in resources in aid to Ukraine, China is stepping in to fill world wide voids in our absence. All because @POTUS wanted to score a political win.

Peters (D-CA-52) 12/14/2022: Retweet of @jaketapper – “New: A group of retired Ambassadors, all of whom served as Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Afghanistan, has written a letter to congressional leaders pushing them to include the Afghan Adjustment Act in the omnibus spending bill. The letter was organized by @afghanevac. Link to image

Shaheen (D-NH) 12/14/2022: Twitter thread – “Proud to join the bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act to help Afghans who came to the U.S. during the evacuation & provide them the opportunity to apply for permanent status and create a life in the U.S. These individuals have been through so much to find safety in the U.S. and many of them served alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan – we should be so lucky to have these brave Afghans as our neighbors & community members here in the U.S. Shaheen Joins Bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act... | shaheen.senate.gov

Takano (D-CA-41) 12/14/2022: Retweet of @RepColinAllred – “When I visited Afghanistan in 2019, I heard firsthand the impact that exposure to toxic substances has on our troops. That's why I worked to pass the #PACTAct and now veterans will get access to the care and benefits they need. Visit The PACT Act and your VA benefits | Veterans Affairs for more information. Link to quoted tweet