Members on the Record (Automated) for Fri December 23, 2022

Israel - Palestine

Doggett (D-TX-35) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “From Israeli jelly doughnuts to dine-in Hanukkah specials and a pop-up Hanukkah bar, do you know about all the ways to celebrate the Festival of Lights in Austin this year? Great guide from @eateraustin includes holiday special events and foods: Celebrate Hannukah With Dishes and Drinks From These Austin Restaurants... | austin.eater.com”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 12/22/2022: Twitter thread – “My colleagues and I (34 Democrats & 16 Republicans) expressed deep concerns to @POTUS about a potential agreement with Iran. We urged the Administration not to return to any deal prior to releasing the full text of the agreement to Congress. WATCH: Democrat Congressman Josh Gottheimer says a nuclear deal with Iran will be a ‘continuation of failure'... | allisrael.com We must not reduce terrorism-related sanctions on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or allow Russia to have a role in Iran's nuclear capabilities. We need to address the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran, stand strong against terrorists, and protect American values and allies.”

Jackson (R-TX-13) 12/22/2022: Retweet of @America1stLegal – “ICYMI — America First Legal SUED President Biden and Secretary Blinken for violating the Taylor Force Act and illegally subsidizing terrorism on behalf of Stuart and Robbi Force, Sarri Singer, and @RonnyJacksonTX. AFL Sues President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken to Enforce the Taylor Force Act and to Stop U.S. Funding of Palestinian Terrorism... | aflegal.org   Link to image”

Leahy (D-VT) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed six months ago and there has still been no credible, independent investigation or accountability. Impartial investigators should examine all the evidence, wherever it leads. Statement On Shireen Abu Akleh | U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont”

Torres (D-NY-15) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “Glenn Greenwald's conspiracy theories are as fictional as George Santos. Link to quoted tweetThe real problem is NY Dems like @AOC only care about being online stars, while @RitchieTorres can't control his bizarre fixation on Israelis for even one day. That's why they lost so many NY seats. It was their job, not mine, to win that Queens district, and they failed.”

Lebanon

Fallon (R-TX-4) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “$410 MILLION for border security in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, and Oman in this reckless spending package. Why don't Democrats' place such an emphasis on securing our own border?”

McCarthy (R-CA-23) 12/23/2022: Twitter thread – “Remember what Pelosi said about Obamacare: "You have to pass it to find out what's in it." This is exactly the same. Democrats waited til the last minute in a lame-duck Congress to dump a 4,000-page, $2 trillion bill into the lap of the American people. Kevin McCarthy... | twitter.com To state the obvious, the omnibus spends too much, increasing the deficit and fueling even more inflation. Our economy is already in dire condition, and jamming through this monstrosity supercharges that disaster. Second – the omnibus spending bill intensifies the crisis at our Southern border. It reduces the number of ICE detention beds and lowers funding for border technology to prevent crossings. Even worse: this bill sets aside $410 million for border security in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, and Oman. Radical Democrats will fund walls and technology to protect the Middle East but not McAllen, Texas. It's a disgrace. This bill provides the FBI with $375 million for a new headquarters and over $11 billion in funding. I guess the Democrats don't care about the collusion between Big Tech, the FBI, and the Intelligence Community as we've learned from the Twitter Files. This bill funds wokeness: - $8.6 mil for “gender advisor programs” at Pentagon - $200 mil for a Gender Equity Fund & gender programs in Pakistan - $575 mil for "family planning" where population growth "threatens biodiversity" Woke handouts should NOT be funded by taxpayers. During the last year, Democrats controlled the House, Senate, & presidency, yet they failed to do their most basic task. Senate Dems passed ZERO appropriations bills out of their committee. Senate Dems passed ZERO appropriations bills off the floor. They didn't do a damn thing. A new direction is coming. In 11 days, Republicans will deliver it.”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 12/22/2022: Twitter thread – “Amidst raging inflation caused by government spending, Democrats want to take even more of your money—$1.7 trillion, to be exact—to double down on their broken policies. It's a no from me. Democrats' latest spending spree includes: — $410 million for border security in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, and Oman — ZERO additional dollars for border security in Texas You can't make this up. In August, Democrats gave the IRS $80 billion to hire 87,000 new agents to spy on Americans' bank accounts.   Now, they're already back for more. Republicans should just say no to any budget that funds 87,000 new IRS agents... | washingtonexaminer.com”

Whitehouse (D-RI) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “Support for the families of the Marines lost in the deadly Beirut Bombing, whose casualties included nine Rhode Islanders, was approved today by the Senate by a strong vote of 93-4. When the House passes it, the President will sign it, and it's law.”

Iran

Kinzinger (R-IL-16) 12/22/2022: Retweet of @SayedSamiSadat – “#AFG one of the key destabilizers in our region specially Iran, Pakistan & AFG are the Mulas. Today our society deeply oppressed, economy collapsed, freedom is banned in all forms. It's time we take on the rooted cause of terrorism which are Mulas. Mulas are the enemy! Link to quoted tweet   Link to video”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “LR @RepMcCaul joins CNN discussing Zelensky's speech: “What we're seeing right now is a struggle for the global balance of power in the world - that would be Russia, China, Iran, North Korea. You cannot bifurcate these world powers & they're all against freedom & democracy.” Link to video”

Menendez (D-NJ) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “Deeply disappointed @SenateGOP refused to lift objections to S.Con.Res 47, our resolution in support of protesters in #Iran. Instead of affirming strong, bipartisan solidarity, Congress will close for a month WITHOUT taking action on this critical issue. Menendez Statement on Senate Republicans' Obstruction of Resolution in Support of Anti-Regime Protests in Iran | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations”

Menendez (D-NJ) 12/23/2022: Tweet – “No parent should ever have to beg for the lives of their children. The cruelty of the Iranian regime truly knows no bounds. #MohammadMehdiKarami #StopExecutionsInIran Link to quoted tweet“I beg from judiciary chief to lift death sentence issued against my son”: father of Mohammad Mehdi Karami says. Denied right to a lawyer he's been sentenced to death in relation to Iran protest. The way his mother is cuddling her arms… #محمدمهدی_کرمی‌. (Link to twitter.com)”

Egypt

Beyer (D-VA-8) 12/22/2022: Twitter thread – “Important context on the human rights conditions for military assistance to Egypt in the omnibus funding legislation. I will continue working to fight for human rights in Egypt and elsewhere in the next Congress. Link to quoted tweetThe Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Appropriations bill has been released. Congress will try to pass it before Friday's deadline. Below is a thread on the conditions placed on the military aid for Egypt. Spoiler: Congress has again strengthened the conditions. A 🧵(Link to PDF | appropriations.senate.gov) For two years I've engaged in that effort with my fellow co-founder of the Egypt Human Rights Caucus @Malinowski @RepMalinowski. Very sorry to see him leave, and I wish him and his team all the best in what comes next for them. It has been a pleasure to work with you on this!”

Peters (D-CA-52) 12/22/2022: Twitter thread – “This year was full of victories and challenges for our country, Congress, and my office. As we turn the corner on another year, I'm sharing a summary of what we've accomplished during the past 12 months. Here's a special thread on our work for the people of CA-52 in 2022. 🧵 Link to image My team in San Diego & Washington, D.C. is committed to serve those who need help with federal agencies & other issues. We take our casework successes seriously! See testimonials below. In 2022, my staff helped recover $3,850,113 in federal benefits to the people I represent. Link to image Fighting climate change with practical policy remains my priority in Congress. In addition to my work in Washington, D.C., I spoke to experts on the ground about solutions to our most pressing problems from San Diego to the Sequoia National Forest to Egypt for COP27. Link to image My plan to reduce Rx drug prices was included in the Inflation Reduction Act. Starting in 2023, drug companies will be required to pay rebates to Medicare if prices rise faster than inflation for drugs. IRA is also a landmark victory for a clean energy future. Link to image San Diego is a proud partner in our national defense. Fighting for our servicemembers, veterans, and their families in Washington, D.C. is a top priority. I will continue building on my work to serve them. They are a large part of my district. Link to image This year, I voted to pass bills to ensure all Americans have a right to live their life freely & with dignity. As we enter the 118th Congress, we will build on the progress we've made to curb gun violence. We must build a future in which no one faces this senseless violence. Link to image Thank you for a great 2022, CA-52! I will miss serving neighborhoods that will become part of new congressional districts and I look forward to learning more about the new communities of CA-50. Link to image”

Jordan

Tenney (R-NY-22) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “The Democrats’ socialist spending spree includes $150 million in border security funding for Jordan, but not a dime in new spending to secure our own Southern border.”

Iraq

Leahy (D-VT) 12/22/2022: Twitter thread – “2023 is the 20th anniversary of the Center for Victims in Conflict, created by Marla Ruzicka whose passionate advocacy forced us to acknowledge and help innocent victims of US military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Today CIVIC continues her legacy around the globe. My RECORD statement HERE: Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy Tribute To Center For Civilians In Conflict | U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont”

Jewish, Anti-semitism

Beyer (D-VA-8) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “Disgusting anti-Semitism from Tucker Carlson here, but also, as he often does, he's just lying about this. Link to quoted tweetRemarkable moment here where rabid antisemite and Putin apologist Tucker Carlson castigates Zelensky for “declaring war on Christianity”. (Link to twitter.com)”

Fulcher (R-ID-1) 12/22/2022: Twitter thread – “Democrats in Washington, D.C. want to spend nearly $2T of your money with mere hours' notice. Why? Because if Americans had time to learn what's in the bill, they would be appalled. So here are a few “highlights” ⤵️ The bill directs hundreds of millions of dollars to migrant shelter services and NGOs that facilitate illegal immigration, and further incentivizes unlawful crossings by providing $10 million for legal assistance for detained migrants. The omnibus bill also hands the IRS over $12 billion — on top of the $80 billion they received from the Inflation Reduction Act — and even authorizes a chauffeur for the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. The IRS head gets a driver, you get an audit. The omnibus package also includes a $65 million increase in funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, an organization that has used anti-Semitic and pro-terrorist material to educate children. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but gives you insight into why these provisions are not unveiled until the last minute. Without the pretext of a funding emergency— one self-manufactured by Congress — supporters would not be able to justify voting for this 4,155 page bill.”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 12/22/2022: Twitter thread – “I'm proud to introduce the bipartisan Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act to require a nationwide study on Holocaust education efforts in public schools. This comes during the current crisis of rising antisemitism both at home and around the world. Link to image Every level of government must act to stop the drastic rise in antisemitism in New Jersey and throughout our country. We must fight for robust education on the Holocaust and on the long history of antisemitism. Hate has no home here.”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 12/22/2022: Retweet of @ADL – “Thank you @RepJoshG & @RepMcCaul for your leadership on the Holocaust Education & Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act. Holocaust education is crucial to raise awareness for where #antisemitism can lead, teach respect for our differences, & reinforce the vulnerabilities of democracy.”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 12/22/2022: Retweet of @RepKManning – “Education is key to stopping the spread of hate. I joined @RepJoshG in introducing the #HEAL Act, to examine Holocaust education efforts, helping to ensure that students learn about the history of the Holocaust. Bipartisan bill aims to examine Holocaust education efforts... | jewishinsider.com”

Manning (D-NC-6) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “Education is key to stopping the spread of hate. I joined @RepJoshG in introducing the #HEAL Act, to examine Holocaust education efforts, helping to ensure that students learn about the history of the Holocaust. Bipartisan bill aims to examine Holocaust education efforts... | jewishinsider.com”

Torres (D-NY-15) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “During the Hanukkah celebration at @SARacademy , I delivered the following message to the students: “Hanukkah is about the freedom to be who you are. Wear your Judaism proudly.” Link to video”

Torres (D-NY-15) 12/22/2022: Retweet of @UnitedJewish – “Great to hear from and greet @RitchieTorres, of the fiercest champions against hate and antisemitism in the nation, yesterday at @NYCmayor's menorah lighting. Thank you Congressman for always standing up for the Jewish community Link to image”

Torres (D-NY-15) 12/22/2022: In reply to TweetGreat to hear from and greet @RitchieTorres, of the fiercest champions against hate and antisemitism in the nation, yesterday at @NYCmayor's menorah lighting. Thank you Congressman for always standing up for the Jewish community (Link to twitter.com) – “@UnitedJewish @NYCMayor @samuelmstern Was great to see my friends of @UnitedJewish, of the finest social services agencies, led by the legendary Rabbi Niederman who is at forefront of assisting endangered Jews and Jewish sites internationally.”

Afghanistan

Castro (D-TX-20) 12/22/2022: Retweet of @NasimiShabnam – “Male university students have walked out of their exam in protest against Taliban's decision to BAN female students from university education. Several male professors have also resigned so far. This must happen across the country NOW! Link to video”

Crenshaw (R-TX-2) 12/22/2022: Retweet of @itsSpencerBrown – “EXCLUSIVE: @michaelgwaltz + @RepDanCrenshaw are asking Biden to parole Abdul Wasi Safi, an Afghan ally seeking asylum who is facing "expedited removal" by the Biden administration — at the same time Biden is turning a blind eye to terror list "got-aways." Lawmakers Ask Biden to Halt Removal Process for Afghan Ally Seeking Asylum... | townhall.com”

Gallagher (R-WI-8) 12/23/2022: Retweet of @KaukaunaNews – “Under the bill from @RepGallagher, the post office in Kaukauna would be named for Sgt. Nickolas Mueller, a Little Chute native, who was killed in 2009 in Afghanistan. Rep. Gallagher leads effort to rename Kaukauna Post Office after fallen soldier - Kaukauna Community News”

Hern (R-OK-1) 12/23/2022: Retweet of @Jim_Jordan – “-Millions of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border -Billions worth of weapons left behind in Afghanistan. -Trillions in spending that we can't afford. Joe Biden's America.”

Himes (D-CT-4) 12/23/2022: Retweet of @TinaDuryea – “Courage is contagious. Solidarity with the women of Afghanistan ✊🏻💚 Link to quoted tweet”

Jordan (R-OH-4) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “-Millions of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border -Billions worth of weapons left behind in Afghanistan. -Trillions in spending that we can't afford. Joe Biden's America.”

Jordan (R-OH-4) 12/22/2022: GETTR Post – “-Millions of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border -Billions worth of weapons left behind in Afghanistan. -Trillions in spending that we can't afford. Joe Biden's America.”

Levin (D-CA-49) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “This week, the San Diego VA Medical Center was officially renamed after local hero Army CPT Jennifer Moreno! CPT Moreno made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Afghanistan. I'm so proud we were able to get this bill over the finish line to honor an extraordinary hero. Link to image”

Levin (D-CA-49) 12/23/2022: Tweet – “This news is heartbreaking. Banning Afghan girls from school will set them back on years of progress in female empowerment. I condemn these actions by the Taliban. Afghanistan's Taliban Ban All Education for Girls... | wsj.com”

Meijer (R-MI-3) 12/22/2022: Twitter thread – “Despite the hard work of many, the #AfghanAdjustmentAct failed to even get a vote; it is not in the omnibus that just passed the Senate. In short, there will be no stability for our Afghan allies this Congress. I am incredibly disappointed, but we will keep pushing. (1/2) Link to quoted tweet“If they want to slit the throat of the Afghan Adjustment Act, let them have the courage to do so on the Senate floor, in full view of the veterans and allies they are betraying.” @RepMeijer using his final floor speech to talk #AfghanAdjustmentAct. CC: @jaketapper, @DanaPerino (Link to twitter.com) (Link to twitter.com) Thank you @ChrisCoons @JerryMoran @SenAmyKlobuchar @LindseyGrahamSC for leading in the Senate, @shawnjvandiver for your tireless work, and @jaketapper @McCainJack and all the veterans and advocates who spoke in support of this urgent effort. The work will continue next year (2/2)”

Moran (R-KS) 12/23/2022: Tweet – “The chaotic evacuation from Kabul stranded thousands of our Afghan allies behind enemy lines. Veterans are calling for Congress to help our allies & friends who assisted them in battle. We must answer that call and make the Afghan Adjustment Act a top priority next Congress. Link to video”

Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) 12/22/2022: Retweet of @NasimiShabnam – “A day after of the Taliban BANNED female university education, women & girls have come out on the streets of Kabul protesting against the decree. They chant —“Either for everyone or for no one. One for all, all for one” Amplify their voices. Link to video”

Peters (D-CA-52) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “The #AfghanAdjustmentAct is crucial to keeping our promises as a nation and protecting those who fought beside us. I'm disappointed that this bipartisan, commonsense bill won't be included in the omnibus package, but I'm committed to getting the job done. Retired military leaders press Congress to pass Afghan resettlement bill... | washingtonpost.com”

Peters (D-CA-52) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “In an otherwise solid bill this is the big disappointment. As @shawnjvandiver says, we will get back on it in January. Link to quoted tweetToday, the US Senate made the regrettable decision not to include the #AfghanAdjustmentAct in the #FY23Omnibus. To say we are disappointed & dismayed is a gross understatement. This bill was crucial to #keepthepromise we made to our Afghan allies—a promise the Senate has broken.”

Reschenthaler (R-PA-14) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “Biden in August 2021: "We'll continue to speak out for the basic rights of the Afghan people, of women and girls, just as we speak out all over the world." 16 months after his disastrous withdrawal, the Taliban has banned all education for girls. Afghanistan's Taliban Ban All Education for Girls... | wsj.com”

Risch (R-ID) 12/23/2022: Twitter thread – “It's been over a year since Biden haphazardly withdrew from #Afghanistan & it's clear it has once again become a safe haven for terrorists. The #humanrights of Afghan women & girls have disappeared & the admin can't ensure US assistance doesn't end up in the hands of the Taliban. In the new Congress, I'll continue to press Biden for answers & use every tool available to ensure we have a comprehensive counterterrorism plan, we safeguard #humanrights, & create guardrails on US assistance to prevent direct support to the #Taliban. Risch: Pursuit of Accountability for Afghanistan to Continue in New Congress | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations”

Shaheen (D-NH) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “We made a promise to protect the brave Afghans who stood by our men & women in uniform to advance the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. Upholding our commitment & ensuring their safety is both a moral obligation & a national security priority. Link to video”

Shaheen (D-NH) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “It's always a good day when we can bring our fellow Americans home. I can only imagine the relief these two individuals & their families are experiencing. The U.S. will not cease in our efforts to bring home all unjustly detained Americans. Taliban Releases 2 Americans Detained in Afghanistan... | nytimes.com”

Waltz (R-FL-6) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “Reps. Waltz and @DanCrenshawTX sent a letter to President Biden requesting Afghan Special Forces Commando Abdul Wasi Safi be granted parole while his asylum case is adjudicated. Read more 👇 Waltz, Crenshaw Press Biden to Grant Parole for Afghan Commando Facing Deportation... | waltz.house.gov   Link to image”

Waltz (R-FL-6) 12/22/2022: Retweet of @itsSpencerBrown – “EXCLUSIVE: @michaelgwaltz + @RepDanCrenshaw are asking Biden to parole Abdul Wasi Safi, an Afghan ally seeking asylum who is facing "expedited removal" by the Biden administration — at the same time Biden is turning a blind eye to terror list "got-aways." Lawmakers Ask Biden to Halt Removal Process for Afghan Ally Seeking Asylum... | townhall.com”

Waltz (R-FL-6) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “It's ridiculous this administration will arrest and deport our Afghan Allies but release thousands of other migrants illegally crossing our southern border. Link to quoted tweetReps. Waltz and @DanCrenshawTX sent a letter to President Biden requesting Afghan Special Forces Commando Abdul Wasi Safi be granted parole while his asylum case is adjudicated. Read more 👇 (Waltz, Crenshaw Press Biden to Grant Parole for Afghan Commando Facing Deportation... | waltz.house.gov) (Link to twitter.com)”

Waltz (R-FL-6) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “I fought alongside Afghan soldiers like Abdul who risked their lives alongside Americans. @DanCrenshawTX & I are asking Biden to halt deporting Abdul back into the hands of the Taliban while releasing millions of other migrants into the U.S. interior. Lawmakers Ask Biden to Halt Removal Process for Afghan Ally Seeking Asylum... | townhall.com”

Other - Middle East

Burchett (R-TN-2) 12/23/2022: Tweet – “There is no money in the $1.66 Trillion for securing our border but, we are spending $410 Million to help 5 middle eastern country's with there's.”

Harshbarger (R-TN-1) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “If Democrats don't believe in borders then why are they willing to spend MILLIONS of your money on a border in the Middle East while ours remains wide open? This bill puts America last and charges Americans TRILLIONS in the process. I will be voting NO. Link to image”

Hern (R-OK-1) 12/23/2022: Retweet of @timburchett – “There is no money in the $1.66 Trillion for securing our border but, we are spending $410 Million to help 5 middle eastern country's with there's.”

Shaheen (D-NH) 12/22/2022: Tweet – “Diane is a champion for Americans detained abroad, a cause she leads to honor the legacy of her son, James, who was killed by ISIS terrorists. Proud to work w/her on this issue & to see those who target Americans brought to justice. An important read on her advocacy & leadership. Link to quoted tweetIn the eight years since Diane Foley's son, the journalist James Foley, was killed by terrorists in the Middle East, she has made it her mission to force the White House to put the fate of Americans held overseas at the top of the national priority list. (How Diane Foley Made It Her Mission to Prioritize U.S. Hostages Overseas... | nyti.ms)”