Members on the Record (Automated) for Fri March 17, 2023

Israel - Palestine

Bacon (R-NE-2) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “I thank AIPAC for it's early 2024 endorsement for re-election. I am a champion defender for an iron-clad Israel-US relationship and a secure Israel that is a safe haven for Jews from all over the world seeking refuge from anti-Semitism. AIPAC rolls out first 2024 endorsements, including vulnerable Senate Democrats... | jewishinsider.com”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 03/16/2023: Retweet of @manuelrajunov – “We are proud to support pro-Israel champions like @DonJBacon. None better than him! @AIPAC @aipacpac Link to quoted tweet”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 03/16/2023: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Thank you @DonJBacon for supporting a strong U.S.-Israel relationship! 🇺🇸🇮🇱 Link to quoted tweet”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 03/17/2023: Tweet – “Great book by @DanielGordis! I appreciated the in-depth historical and cultural context he provides. I've taken multiple trips to Israel and worked in tandem with Israeli Defense Forces on missile defense, and am a champion for a strong Israel-U.S. relationship in Congress. Link to image”

Bush (D-MO-1) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “20 years ago today, Israeli occupation forces killed American peace activist Rachel Corrie in Gaza as she protested their demolishing of Palestinian homes. May we honor her memory by continuing to join in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their struggle for liberation. Link to image”

Cuellar (D-TX-28) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “AIPAC rolls out first 2024 endorsements, including vulnerable Senate Democrats... | jewishinsider.com”

D'Esposito (R-NY-4) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “I've been hearing from many #NY04 residents who are concerned about long wait times and staffing shortages at the U.S. Embassy in Israel. A bipartisan congressional group penned a letter to the State Department outlining these concerns. See a digital copy below ⤵️ Link to image”

Fischer (R-NE) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “As a firm believer in the importance of the long-standing US-Israel alliance, I am grateful to AIPAC for their ongoing support. I will continue to be a supportive voice of Israel in the U.S. Senate to ensure we stand proudly behind one of our best allies. - AIPAC Political Portal... | candidates.aipacpac.org”

Goldman (D-NY-10) 03/16/2023: Retweet of @RepMikeLawler – “I led a bipartisan letter asking the @usembassyjlm @StateDept to address delays & staffing shortages impacting U.S. citizens in Israel. Despite being U.S. citizens, these Americans are waiting in some cases months in order to see basic requests fulfilled. This is unacceptable. Link to image”

Gonzales (R-TX-23) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “Thank you @AIPAC for your trust and support. I will continue to ensure US-Israel relations remain as strong as ever. 🇺🇸 🇮🇱 Link to quoted tweetAIPAC and our 2.7 million members work to strengthen the US-Israel relationship on a bipartisan basis. This week we endorsed 93 returning members of Congress - including the Democratic & Republican House leadership teams - in our first wave of endorsements for the 2024 election. (Link to twitter.com)”

Lawler (R-NY-17) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “I led a bipartisan letter asking the @usembassyjlm @StateDept to address delays & staffing shortages impacting U.S. citizens in Israel. Despite being U.S. citizens, these Americans are waiting in some cases months in order to see basic requests fulfilled. This is unacceptable. Link to image”

Manning (D-NC-6) 03/17/2023: Retweet of @USJewishDems – “Meet @RepKManning: - First woman to serve as Chair of @jfederations - Leading the fight against antisemitism as Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Taskforce to Combat Antisemitism - Outspoken supporter of the U.S.-Israel relationship as a member of @HouseForeign Link to image”

Moskowitz (D-FL-23) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “Thank you to the Jewish Federation of Broward County and the American Jewish Committee for inviting me to speak about my first 2 months in Congress, my steadfast support for Israel, and my commitment to combatting antisemitism. Link to image”

Rubio (R-FL) 03/17/2023: Tweet – “Mientras recordamos a las víctimas del ataque terrorista de 1992 en contra de la Embajada de Israel en Buenos Aires por terroristas de Hezbolá, respaldados por Irán,rendimos homenaje a su memoria y reafirmamos la importancia de la rendición de cuentas y justicia tras este crimen.”

Rubio (R-FL) 03/17/2023: Tweet – “As we remember the fallen victims of the 1992 terrorist attack against the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires by Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorists, we pay tribute to the lives that were senselessly lost and reaffirm the importance of justice and accountability.”

Tlaib (D-MI-12) 03/16/2023: Twitter thread – “Fellow Americans are recognizing now more than ever that Palestinians face violence and racism from the Israeli government. New polling reflects the shift we've seen in our communities, with Democrats increasingly supporting Palestinian human rights. Democrats' Sympathies in Middle East Shift to Palestinians... | news.gallup.com At a time when so many Democrats have rallied against fascism at home, many of these same people are wondering why we send billions of dollars every year to a far-right government that leading human rights organizations say is maintaining an apartheid system.”

Syria

Gaetz (R-FL-1) 03/17/2023: Tweet – “Anna is a STAR!!!! Link to quoted tweetRep. Anna Paulina Luna Outlines Her Support For U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Syria #syria #luna #gaetz @realannapaulina @RepMattGaetz @mattgaetz (Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Outlines Her Support For U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Syria... | tampafp.com)”

Pfluger (R-TX-11) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “Russia's brazen attack on a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone is reminiscent of the cowboy approach I witnessed Russian fighter pilots use in 2017 over Syria. We need an immediate apology from the Russian government. @foxandfriends Link to video”

Iran

Cruz (R-TX) 03/16/2023: Retweet of @Kredo0 – “JUST IN: Biden Greenlights $500 Million Payment to Iran — Latest sanctions waiver gives Tehran cash "to boost Russia's all-out war against Ukraine,” @SenTedCruz tells me Latest Biden Admin Sanctions Waiver Allows $500 Million Payment for Iran, Tehran Says... | freebeacon.com”

Doggett (D-TX-37) 03/16/2023: Twitter thread – “Another member of Iran's Kurdish minority, Mohayydein Ebrahimi, faces death tonight from a murderous regime fearful of any dissent.  Targeted for real or perceived affiliation with Kurdish political opposition groups, he is in Urumieh prison under solitary confinement. Link to image Today, March 16, he was given a “last meeting” with his family and is at imminent risk of execution at any moment. He was denied access to a lawyer and sentenced to death following a grossly unfair trial, relying primarily or exclusively on “confessions” obtained under torture and other similar treatment.  He is the sole breadwinner for multiple families. Let's pray for a reprieve, shine a spotlight on the atrocities being committed by the Iranian regime, and stand with the courageous people of Iran, who struggle for their rights.”

Wilson (R-SC-2) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “CCP spy balloon. Iranian regime developing ICBMs. Now Putin arrogantly destroying US drone over intl waters. We must recognize world competition btwn autocracies w/Rule of Gun opposing democracies w/Rule of Law. Biden legacy will be determined by weakness or Peace Thru Strength.”

Saudi Arabia

Bush (D-MO-1) 03/17/2023: Tweet – “"I hope that the world gets better for us. I hope our people get old. I hope we get to see our kids grow up to fight for us. I hope for trans rights worldwide." —Eden Knight, may she rest in power 💜🏳️‍⚧️ A Young Saudi Trans Woman Is Believed Dead After Being Lured From the US and Forced to Detransition... | vice.com”

Gallego (D-AZ-3) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “We need to stop the corporate greed from LIV Golf and its Saudi backers. I support @IATSE broadcast workers demanding fair benefits and workplace safety – it's time to defend every Arizonan's right to earn a living wage, no matter who's paying their check! #IASolidarity Show more”

Murphy (D-CT) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “This link includes: (a) a very good story on my effort with ⁦@SenMikeLee⁩ to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for their human rights record; and (b) a particularly dopey looking picture of me. Senators want to force admin talk on Saudi ties... | politico.com”

Murphy (D-CT) 03/16/2023: Retweet of @thefreedomi – “A resolution by @ChrisMurphyCT & @SenMikeLee would require @StateDept to submit a report on human rights in #SaudiArabia within 30 days, or security assistance will be cut off. “U.S. weapons don't belong in the hands of human rights abusers." -@SenMikeLee Murphy, Lee Introduce Privileged Resolution to Require State Department Examination of Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Record | U.S. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut”

Murphy (D-CT) 03/16/2023: Tweet – ““It's impossible for the United States to assemble a global human rights and pro-democracy coalition if we continue to turn a blind eye to Saudi Arabia's worsening human rights record," @ChrisMurphyCT said. US senators adopt new strategy to push Saudi Arabia on human rights... | reuters.com”

Murphy (D-CT) 03/16/2023: Retweet of @BeckyCNN – “"China doesn't give them [Saudi Arabia] a very hard time when it comes to their human rights record." U.S. Senator @ChrisMurphyCT says questions need to be asked about the underlying reasons for Saudi Arabia's relationship with China. Link to video”

Raskin (D-MD-8) 03/17/2023: Retweet of @OversightDems – “🧵RM @RepRaskin released an @OversightDems report revealing early findings from our probe into the Trump family's failure to disclose major gifts received from foreign officials, including silver swords from the Saudi Crown Prince & golf clubs from Japan.Oversight Democrats Release Evidence Showing Trump First Family... | oversightdemocrats.house.gov”

Iraq

Duckworth (D-IL) 03/17/2023: Tweet – “Our Commander in Chief knows how wrong it is to keep outdated war authorities on the books. It's time we repeal the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs and honor our troops the way they deserve. Proud to help the Senate move forward on legislation to do just that. Senate advances Iraq war authorization repeal as Biden signals his support | CNN Politics”

Durbin (D-IL) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “The Constitution is clear: only the US Congress has the power to declare war. For too long, we have failed to fully exercise this solemn responsibility including allowing previous AUMFs to continue in perpetuity. I support today's effort to repeal two outdated Iraq-related AUMFs.”

Kaine (D-VA) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “Senator Kaine stood with @SenToddYoung, @AmericanLegion, and brave veterans to call for passage of his bill to repeal the outdated and unnecessary Gulf and Iraq war authorizations. We owe it to our service members and veterans to formally end endless war. Link to image”

Menendez (D-NJ) 03/16/2023: Retweet of @SenateDems – “WATCH: Foreign Relations Chair @SenatorMenendez lays out why it's past time to end the Iraq War authorizations “This is a defining moment.” “We should not just declare war. We need to be able to end them as well” Link to video”

Paul (R-KY) 03/17/2023: Tweet – “War is sometimes necessary, but going to war should not be the decision of one person. Ending congressional authorization for the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War returns the war power to the American people and their representatives. Sen. Paul: The American people have had enough war... | ow.ly”

Roy (R-TX-21) 03/17/2023: Retweet of @OKnox – “Senators @timkaine @SenToddYoung statement on repealing the 1991 and 2002 authorizations for use of military force (AUMF) against Iraq. But one important thing to note: The House coalition in favor of repeal on the GOP side. @chiproytx and @tomcoleok04! Link to image”

Roy (R-TX-21) 03/16/2023: Retweet of @LACaldwellDC – “68 votes to advance the Iraq AUMF. That's a big margin. @timkaine told me that the best way to convince McCarthy to bring it up in the House is to run up the score in the Senate (and for @chiproytx to lobby him) Analysis | Decoding the Freedom Caucus' debt limit demands”

Schumer (D-NY) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “Every year we leave the Iraq AUMFs on the books is another year that a future Administration can abuse them. Congress—the rightful dispenser of war powers—cannot allow that to continue. Today, this Senate is voting to advance a bill to finally repeal them.”

Spanberger (D-VA-7) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “An important moment in the effort to restore the role of Congress in making decisions of war and peace — our constitutional responsibility. I was proud to lead the introduction of this bill in the House — and I'm proud to see the product of @timkaine's years of work advance. Link to quoted tweetToday, the Senate is scheduled to take a key procedural vote on repealing a pair of decades-old authorizations for the use of military force against Iraq. Follow along for live updates. (Post Politics Now: Senate to take key vote on repealing decades-old Iraq war authorizations... | wapo.st)”

Vance (R-OH) 03/16/2023: Twitter thread – “What a joke. Similar circumstances exist in 20 different counties. Should we kill thousands of Americans and spend over $1 trillion in each of them? The failure of our elites to own up to failures in Iraq proves that the country most in need of regime change is ours. Link to quoted tweet.@EliLake in @Commentary on the Iraq War plus 20. (The Iraq War, 20 Years Later... | commentary.org) (Link to twitter.com) These same people are the main drivers of our Ukraine policy. In a sane country they'd spend the rest of their lives begging their fellow citizens for forgiveness and warning against repeating their mistakes. Instead they're running a victory lap. It's gross.”

Young (R-IN) 03/16/2023: Retweet of @nowthisnews – “LIVE NOW: Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Todd Young (R-IN) will discuss legislation that would repeal the 1991 and 2002 authorizations for the use of military force in Iraq Nowthis... | twitter.com”

Young (R-IN) 03/16/2023: Retweet of @CraigCaplan – “Iraq AUMF repeal bill co-author Young on Senate flr:"Saddam Hussein is dead & we're no longer worried abt the threat posed by Iraq as stated in this AUMF, which we propose repealing. This legislation is the rare issue that brings together supporters of all political persuasions." Link to image”

Young (R-IN) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “Today, the Senate took the first steps to formally end the Gulf and Iraq wars.   @TimKaine and I joined @AmericanLegion members to talk about how our bipartisan bill will honor our veterans and restore the constitutional role of Congress. Link to image”

Young (R-IN) 03/17/2023: Retweet of @AmericanLegion – “Our Mario Marquez: “We applaud the effort & note that it confirms what we've known for years – there is a strong bipartisan consensus that it's long past time to repeal these 2 authorizations.” More from yesterday's presser w/ @timkaine & @SenToddYoung. Senate advances legislation to repeal Iraq AUMFs... | legion.org”

Türkiye

Cornyn (R-TX) 03/17/2023: Retweet of @niinisto – “We had profound discussions on the geopolitical situation with President @RTErdogan in Ankara today. Türkiye has now decided to send the ratification of Finland's NATO membership to its parliament. I look forward to further deepening the cooperation of our countries as allies. Link to image”

Kelly (D-AZ) 03/17/2023: Tweet – “It was good to speak with @JeffFlake, the Turkish Ambassador, and representatives from Turkey about the country's recovery efforts after being hit by a devastating earthquake. It's also always good to see another Arizonan in DC. Thanks for coming by the office. Link to image”

Shaheen (D-NH) 03/17/2023: Tweet – “As co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, @SenThomTillis and I are proud to reaffirm support for 🇸🇪 and 🇫🇮's NATO accession. Hungary and Türkiye should follow in the footsteps of 28 of 30 members of the Alliance and ratify both bids without further delay. Link to image”

Horn of Africa

Beyer (D-VA-8) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “Very good to see this visit by Secretary of State @SecBlinken to demonstrate in person America's commitment to peace in Ethiopia after two years of bloody civil war. Link to quoted tweetDeparting Addis Ababa after productive talks focused on consolidating peace and advancing Ethiopia's democracy, security, and prosperity. We support the critical steps Ethiopians need to take for recovery and reconciliation. (Link to twitter.com)”

Pakistan

Swalwell (D-CA-14) 03/16/2023: Twitter thread – “The US-Pakistan relationship is critical to regional stability & security. The current government's efforts to silence political disagreements by threatening to arrest fmr. PM Imran Khan & violently cracking down on his supporters is unacceptable & threatens our longstanding bilateral relationship. I urge all parties to engage in a peaceful political process to avoid further violence.”

Jewish, Anti-semitism

Crockett (D-TX-30) 03/17/2023: Tweet – “This #WomensHistoryMonth, I'm tipping my hat to our dearly departed Adlene Harrison, the first female Mayor of @CityOfDallas. The first Jewish mayor of any major city & the first chair of @dartmedia, Adlene Harrison kept one thing at the center of it all: service. Link to image”

Lummis (R-WY) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “I'm very troubled that President Biden's Department of Education has potentially been funding antisemitic programs at colleges across America. My colleagues & I are demanding answers from the Biden admin because tax dollars should never be used to fund hatred. Link to quoted tweetI'm concerned the @usedgov, over the course of decades, has allowed taxpayer-funded antisemitism on college campuses. This has no place in the U.S. @SecCardona must answer for the taxpayer dollars funding anti-Semitic events & activities. (GOP senators accuse Education Department of allowing ‘taxpayer-funded antisemitism' on college campuses... | foxnews.com)”

McClellan (D-VA-4) 03/15/2023: Tweet – “It's great to be back in the VA Capitol to attend the portrait unveiling for the first woman and Jewish Speaker of the @VAHouse, @EFillerCorn. Eileen was an invaluable leader in the General Assembly, and I'm proud to have served with her and call her a friend for over a decade. Show more   Link to video”

Schakowsky (D-IL-9) 03/16/2023: Retweet of @jcua_votes – “#JewsForJohnson assemble! This Sunday at 2:00, we're coming together in Lakeview for a Jewish Day of Action for @brandon4chicago! Join @janschakowsky, @RobertJPeters, @RepKellyCassidy, @WillGuzzardi, @jacksonpCTU and others! Register: Jewish Day of Action for Brandon Johnson!... | bit.ly   Link to image”

Afghanistan

Fischer (R-NE) 03/17/2023: Tweet – “It's critical the public understand the severity of the threats we face due to the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. ISIS group in Afghanistan could conduct 'external' attack against US in 6 months, US commander says... | foxnews.com”

Graham (R-SC) 03/16/2023: Twitter thread – “What a chilling assessment by General Kurilla, the leader of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).  He made it clear that ISIS-K, the branch of the Islamic State operating in Afghanistan, could – within mere months – strike U.S. interests at home and abroad.  ISIS group in Afghanistan could conduct 'external' attack against US in 6 months, US commander says... | foxnews.com I never supported a complete withdrawal from Afghanistan. I, along with many others, warned that the Afghan Taliban taking charge would inevitably lead to a rise in international terrorism & allow terrorists to once again use Afghanistan as a safe haven to plan & launch attacks. The same dynamics that lead to 9/11 are again in motion. I am urging the Biden Administration to quickly take corrective action on two fronts: ▶  Secure the border. ▶  Put the Afghan Taliban on notice that we will not allow Islamic terrorist safe havens – that threaten American interests  – to operate freely in Afghanistan. Left unaddressed this combination could be lethal to American interests.”

Grassley (R-IA) 03/17/2023: Tweet – “40 million taxpayer dollar$ used in Afghanistan went unaccounted 4 & State Dept has only recovered $19,000 of it so far State Dept foot dragging is embarrassing unacceptable & against federal law I'm asking Scty Blinken what his plan is to recover these costs ASAP”

Lesko (R-AZ-8) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “REMINDER: President Biden left OVER $7 BILLION in U.S. military equipment and more than 1,000 Americans behind enemy lines in Afghanistan. @HouseGOP has not forgotten this botched withdrawal. Accountability is coming!”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 03/17/2023: Twitter thread – “CHM @RepMcCaul sent a letter to Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) John Sopko expressing grave concerns about U.S. taxpayer dollars benefitting Taliban-controlled entities. Read an excerpt ⬇️ Link to image Read the full release and letter below ⬇️ McCaul Gravely Concerned About U.S Taxpayer Dollars Benefitting Taliban-Controlled Entities - Committee on Foreign Affairs”

Mullin (R-OK) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “No one, not a single person has been held accountable for the Biden administration's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. Do you think that's right? @SASCGOP Link to video”

Scott (R-FL) 03/17/2023: Tweet – “What's the hold up? Let's pass my bipartisan, bicameral resolution to establish a Joint Select Committee on @JoeBiden's botched Afghanistan withdrawal because this is TOTALLY unacceptable. Americans deserve accountability. ISIS group in Afghanistan could conduct 'external' attack against US in 6 months, US commander says... | foxnews.com”

Wild (D-PA-7) 03/17/2023: Twitter thread – “Last week I took part in a heartbreaking @HouseForeign hearing on the Afghanistan withdrawal, hearing the stories of those on the ground during evacuation. Our servicemembers & the American people deserve real answers—& I applaud the courage & the service of those who testified. Link to image I made it very clear back in 2021 that I didn't think this evacuation reflected the extraordinary sacrifices of U.S. servicemembers & Afghan allies. And after 2 decades of intel failures, I'm not willing to ignore the failures of any administration. Link to quoted tweetWithdrawing from Afghanistan was always the right decision; however, I, along with everyone else, watched in horror at yesterday's deadly attack. Our country deserves honest answers about the events that led to this moment. (Link to twitter.com)”

Other - Middle East

Hunt (R-TX-38) 03/16/2023: Twitter thread – “Mexican cartels have full operational control of our southern border, making it easy for them to smuggle people and drugs into the United States. Just how bad is it? 🧵⤵️ Link to image The DEA estimates that 90% of all of the illegal drugs in the United States enter through our southern border, which has been responsible for killing over 100,000 Americans in 2022 alone. Under President Biden, America has lost more people to drug overdoses than Americans who perished during WWI. The number of deadly drug overdoses recorded under President Biden triples the number of Americans who died during the Vietnam War. Major Cartels operating within the United States include: Sinaloa, Gulf, Juárez, Knights Templar, Los Zetas. 1. Sinaloa Cartel: This is one of the most powerful and influential drug trafficking organizations in the world. The cartel is known for its sophisticated smuggling techniques and its ruthless violence. Mexico cartels: Which are the biggest and most powerful?... | bbc.com Gulf Cartel: another major drug trafficking organization that operates primarily out of Mexico. The cartel has been involved in human trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion. Recently, they were responsible for kidnapping four Americans and killing two. Everything we know about the kidnapping of 4 Americans in Mexico... | abcnews.go.com Juárez Cartel: This cartel operates primarily in Ciudad Juárez, a border city in Mexico, but its activities also extend into the United States. They're known for extreme violence, including the use of decapitation and other gruesome tactics. Mexican Juarez cartel ordered to pay over $4B for 2019 deaths of 9 American women, kids as young as infants... | foxnews.com Knights Templar Cartel: This is a relatively new drug cartel that operates in Mexico but has also been involved in drug trafficking in the United States. The Knights Templar Cartel is known for its ruthless tactics that include executing police officers. ‘The Knights Templar': Mexico's newest drug cartel... | aljazeera.com Los Zetas Cartel: another powerful and dangerous drug cartel that is known for its brutal tactics. The cartel has been involved in various criminal activities such as human trafficking, extortion, and drug trafficking. 'Sadist' Los Zetas Cartel Set Brutal Standard in Drug War... | pbs.org In conclusion, the drug pipelines created by Mexican cartels have caused significant harm to Americans, and it is the responsibility of everyone to take appropriate action to stop the drug trafficking organizations. If we don't eliminate this threat, we stand to lose a generation of Americans to drug overdoses and cartel violence. If we don't act now, we risk never regaining the sovereignty of our nation again.”

Waltz (R-FL-6) 03/16/2023: Tweet – “Bottomline, we must start treating the cartels in Mexico more like ISIS than the mafia. Thread 👇 Link to quoted tweetCritics — on the left and right, in the U.S. and Mexico — have made straw man arguments against the AUMF @michaelgwaltz and I introduced targeting the cartels, feigning hysteria about “bombing” Mexico. No one is arguing we do that. Here's what the cartel AUMF means in practice:”