Members on the Record (Automated) for Thu March 23, 2023

Israel - Palestine

Nickel (D-NC-13) 03/22/2023: Tweet – “Grateful for the opportunity to share my family's story with @matthewkassel from @J_Insider. For me, never again is personal. In Congress, I'll continue to fight against antisemitism & work to strengthen the relationship between the United States & Israel. For Wiley Nickel, ‘never again,' is a personal declaration ... | jewishinsider.com”

Iran

Bacon (R-NE-2) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “I look forward to hearing from the Commanders of both United States Central Command and Africa Command. China is buying tremendous access in both regions, Iran is developing a nuclear weapon and terrorism remains a dangerous threat in both Middle East and Africa. Link to image”

D'Esposito (R-NY-4) 03/23/2023: In reply to TweetHello from DC! First experiences after leaving hotel today: Mohammed, Uber driver from Iran, so proud to be a U.S. Citizen. Out of the car and a woman vacationing from India, so excited to be here, asked to use my phone. I walk on and at the WW2 Memorial, an 85-year-old US… (Link to twitter.com) (Link to twitter.com) – “@JoeFox @JoeFox - come visit! 🇺🇸”

Hagerty (R-TN) 03/22/2023: Twitter thread – “Pleased to join @SenJeffMerkley, @SenMarcoRubio, & @SenatorCardin in introducing the Transnational Repression Policy Act to hold foreign governments accountable for stalking, intimidating, or assaulting people across borders. Hagerty Joins Merkley, Rubio, Cardin to Advance Bill Countering Foreign Governments Trampling Human Rights Within the United States and Around the World - Senator Bill Hagerty The bill aims to prioritize countering transnational repression as a crucial US foreign policy. As the CCP, Russia, Iran & other adversaries engage in transnational repression, the US must never tolerate this malign extraterritorial behavior–especially on US soil.”

Lawler (R-NY-17) 03/22/2023: Twitter thread – “Earlier this month the House Foreign Affairs Committee spoke with veterans who served on the ground in Afghanistan about the devastating consequences of our withdrawal. This week we saw another one of those consequences. Afghanistan school year begins without classes as students unaware and teen girls barred... | cbsnews.com Afghanistan is the only country in the world where girls are banned from secondary schools or universities. As we continue to observe Women's History Month, we are painfully reminded that progress is not guaranteed and can easily be lost. I will continue working with @RepMcCaul and my colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee to champion those who have had their voices silenced by tyrants, whether in Afghanistan, Iran, or elsewhere.”

Risch (R-ID) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “The U.S. designated the #IRGC as a foreign terrorist org and has since been able to severely limit the group's access U.S. markets. I encourage our #EU friends to do the same and cut off sources of IRGC income. Risch, Colleagues Encourage EU to Designate IRGC as Terrorist Organization | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations”

Rubio (R-FL) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “Joined @SenatorRisch and colleagues in sending a letter to @JosepBorrellF encouraging the European Union to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization. Link to quoted tweetThe U.S. designated the #IRGC as a foreign terrorist org and has since been able to severely limit the group's access U.S. markets. I encourage our #EU friends to do the same and cut off sources of IRGC income. (Risch, Colleagues Encourage EU to Designate IRGC as Terrorist Organization | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations)”

Iraq

Gallego (D-AZ-3) 03/22/2023: Tweet – “We were wrong. Deeply and morally wrong. We should have never gone to Iraq. Link to quoted tweetMust read from Bret Stephens. Iraq is better off today without Saddam's demonic crime family. (Opinion | 20 Years On, I Don't Regret Supporting the Iraq War)”

Moulton (D-MA-6) 03/22/2023: Twitter thread – “One of the most tragic things about the Iraq War is the missed opportunity we had in the days after 9/11 to reinvest in the American people. We spent $1.9T to invade a country instead of supporting our 🍼 Families 🏡 Communities 🚅 Infrastructure 🩺 Healthcare ⚖️ Middle-class Link to image America spent over $1.92 trillion on the Iraq war by 2020. For only 10% of what we spent on the Iraq War, we can pay for a nationwide #HighSpeedRail network to connect millions of Americans to opportunity and bring our transportation into the future. Link to image Investing in children and families is one of the best ways to rebuild our middle-class and close the wealth gap. Compared to what we spent on the Iraq War, we can pay for the entire Universal Child Care and Early Learning Act for 10 years and have over a trillion to spare. Link to image Millions of elder Americans cannot afford essential dental, hearing, and vision care currently excluded from Medicare coverage. For under 20% of what we spent on the Iraq War we could provide this care to all of our senior citizens for ten years. Link to image Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are turned away from our service programs like @AmeriCorps, @PeaceCorps, @TeachForAmerica, & @Habitat_org. For under 5% of what we spent on the Iraq War, we could expand access to these programs to everyone graduating high school. Link to image One of the best ways to close the racial wealth gap and provide opportunities to young people is by providing means-tested baby bonds. For a third of what we spent on the Iraq War, we can pay for @SenBooker's bill the American Opportunity Accounts Act to do just that. Link to image I served four tours in Iraq because I didn't want anyone to go in my place. I saw the consequences of bad leadership firsthand. I came to Congress so that we don't make the same mistakes again.”

Murray (D-WA) 03/22/2023: Tweet – “This week marked the 20-year anniversary of the Iraq War. It's a war I thought we never should've started—that's why I voted against it in the first place—& it should've ended long ago. The Senate should act to officially—and finally—end our badly outdated war authorizations.”

Padilla (D-CA) 03/22/2023: Twitter thread – “Refugees—like Basma Alawee—are essential to our communities. Basma fled Iraq with her husband and moved to Florida. There, she obtained her teaching certificate and began teaching math and science to middle schoolers. THREAD 🧵 Link to image Dauda Sesay fled Sierra Leone at 16 due to a war where both his father and younger sister were tragically murdered. Today, Dauda works as a humanitarian, resettling folks from around the globe. His story speaks to the importance of America's commitment to taking in refugees. Link to image Ayda Zugay is a refugee of war and genocide. She resettled in Massachusetts after escaping from the former Yugoslavia. She is now an award-winning community leader, a published author, and an advocate for refugees in the U.S. and across the world. Link to image Emma Yaaka is originally from Uganda—but he spent *three years* in Nairobi, Kenya awaiting resettlement before he was able to come to the U.S. in 2017. With a health care background, today he uses his expertise to advocate for equal medical services for all immigrants. Link to image Basma, Dauda, Ayda, and Emma from @RefugeeCongress are just a few of the many faces of refugees living in the U.S. Despite their harrowing journeys here, they work each day to better our communities and exemplify why it is crucial that we rebuild our Refugee Program.”

Paul (R-KY) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “Iraq War at 20: Have U.S. Elites Learned Anything? Iraq War at 20: Have U.S. Elites Learned Anything?... | 19fortyfive.com”

Sanders (I-VT) 03/22/2023: Tweet – “Twenty years ago, as Congress debated whether to invade Iraq, I explained why a unilateral war made no sense. Those objections were ignored. Sadly, the concerns some of us raised were shown to be accurate, and we still live with the terrible consequences today. Link to video”

Schumer (D-NY) 03/22/2023: Tweet – “War Powers belong in the hands of Congress. Two decades after the start of the Iraq War, the Senate is moving forward on repealing the Iraq Authorizations for the Use of Military Force.”

Türkiye

Menendez (D-NJ) 03/22/2023: Retweet of @ReutersZengerle – “As the hearing with @SecBlinken wraps up, @SFRCdems Chairman Menendez takes the opportunity to list issues with Turkey and speak out against allowing them to buy F-16s.”

Libya

Murphy (D-CT) 03/23/2023: Retweet of @fishman_b – “Thanks to @ChrisMurphyCT, @SecBlinken answered qs during @SFRCdems budget hearing on #Libya and #Tunisia: “I want to see us be able to establish an ongoing presence in Libya.””

Pakistan

Cornyn (R-TX) 03/23/2023: Retweet of @BhojaniForTexas – “I immigrated to America from Pakistan when I was only 19 years old. 24 years later, I had the immense honor of recognizing Pakistan Day at the Texas Capitol. Seeing my community being honored and appreciated on the Texas House floor meant so much. Happy Pakistan Day! 🇵🇰 Link to video”

Crockett (D-TX-30) 03/22/2023: Tweet – “The 11th and 13th prime minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto was a first! Leading a democratic government in a Muslim-majority country, she made #WomensHistory Her bravery and leadership is one for the history books, and her assassination broke hearts around the world. RIP Link to image”

Horsford (D-NV-4) 03/22/2023: Tweet – “I am dedicated to expanding the ties between the Pakistani and American people to promote a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for both our nations. Violence has no place in politics and Congress must remain vigilant to the ongoing issues in Pakistan.”

Jewish, Anti-semitism

Auchincloss (D-MA-4) 03/22/2023: Twitter thread – “This ignorance is dangerous. @MIGOP needs to take this down, apologize to the Jewish community - and read some of our history. Link to quoted tweet#History has shown us that the first thing a government does when it wants total control over its people is to disarm them. President Reagan once stated, “if we lose #freedom here, there is nowhere else to escape to. This is the last stand on Earth.” #2A #GOP (Link to twitter.com) They can start with the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act Link to PDF | congress.gov”

Cruz (R-TX) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “Great meeting with Yeshiva University students at the Capitol this week! @YUNews Link to image”

D'Esposito (R-NY-4) 03/22/2023: Tweet – “Proud to support H.Con.Res. 25 — legislation that allows a Holocaust remembrance ceremony to be held in the Capitol's Emancipation Hall. This ceremony would demonstrate America's pledge to #NeverForget that horrible atrocity. @HouseAdmin will work hard to get this done. Link to video”

Goldman (D-NY-10) 03/22/2023: Tweet – “With the rise in Anti-Asian and antisemitic hate crimes, there's no excuse for law enforcement agencies to fail to meet their hate crime reporting requirements. I'm proud to join the NY delegation to call for the DOJ to bring agencies into compliance. Link to image”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 03/22/2023: Tweet – “It's inexcusable to use the memory of the millions murdered in the Holocaust to score political points. We must continue to make bipartisan progress on gun safety like we did last Congress — not trivialize the Holocaust by making ignorant, insulting, and incorrect comparisons. Link to quoted tweet#History has shown us that the first thing a government does when it wants total control over its people is to disarm them. President Reagan once stated, “if we lose #freedom here, there is nowhere else to escape to. This is the last stand on Earth.” #2A #GOP (Link to twitter.com)”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “According to data released today by the ADL, antisemitic incidents rose 36% in New Jersey in 2022, reaching 408 total incidents – the most ever recorded in the state and the third–highest number recorded in any state across the country last year. Read my full statement here: Link to image”

Lieu (D-CA-36) 03/22/2023: Retweet of @therecount – ““Republicans voted ‘no' on an amendment to remove lead pipes from schools…to prevent schools from monitoring students' menstrual cycles…to prevent the censorship of the teaching of the Holocaust.” — Rep. @tedlieu (D-CA) calls out GOP over amendments to “Parents Bill of Rights” Link to video”

Lieu (D-CA-36) 03/22/2023: Retweet of @therecount – ““Republicans voted ‘no' on an amendment to remove lead pipes from schools…to prevent schools from monitoring students' menstrual cycles…to prevent the censorship of the teaching of the Holocaust.” — Rep. @tedlieu (D-CA) calls out GOP over amendments to “Parents Bill of Rights” Link to video”

Lieu (D-CA-36) 03/22/2023: Twitter thread – “Republicans want to pass an extreme bill this week that puts #PoliticsOverParents. The GOP bill makes it is easier for other parents to ban books that your child can read. The bill requires the school to disclose to other parents if your child has an eating disorder. Link to quoted tweet“Republicans voted ‘no' on an amendment to remove lead pipes from schools…to prevent schools from monitoring students' menstrual cycles…to prevent the censorship of the teaching of the Holocaust.” — Rep. @tedlieu (D-CA) calls out GOP over amendments to “Parents Bill of Rights” (Link to twitter.com)   Link to reply@tedlieu We were told there would be an arrest. @mistkino Trump said that, not the Manhattan DA. We should let the grand jury process work and abide by their decision whenever they make it. @rkroeter False. I don't think other parents should know if your child has an eating disorder. The bill requires this information be put on a public website. I also oppose graphic sex pictures which schools already don't have or will remove if found. Link to reply@tedlieu You are the epitome of a puppet The masters hand you the script and you read off it verbatim Parents don't want their children to read content that goes against their Family values Your side wants #dragqueenstoryhour Good, moral parents don't Zip it teddy @jprchopper3 Wrong. Parents don't want other parents to tell them that their kids can't be taught about slavery, or the Holocaust. This bill pits parents against parents. Do you want me to impose my values on you if I get more parents on my side? If not, then you should not support this bill.”

Manning (D-NC-6) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “Jewish communities everywhere are under threat, facing a chilling onslaught of antisemitic hate & violence. @ADL's report cements the urgent need for a whole-of-government approach to confronting antisemitism in all forms. Link to quoted tweet📈 Antisemitic incidents surged to historic levels rising 36% compared to last year, with significant increases in each category we track, including harassment, vandalism and assault. (Link to twitter.com)”

Moskowitz (D-FL-23) 03/22/2023: Twitter thread – “This #WomensHistoryMonth, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to all the women in our community and recognize several outstanding leaders who are making a difference in South Florida: Link to image Three decades ago, Sarah Franco founded JAFCO, which has grown into a major child welfare agency, providing services to abused, neglected, and at-risk children. She also opened the Eagles Haven Wellness Center to help our community heal following the Parkland shooting. Link to image Danielle N. Hartman has been President and CEO of Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS) since 2010. In addition to her outstanding work in growing JFS, she currently serves on the Board of Advisors for @fausocialworkcj. Link to image Monica Cepero is the Broward County Administrator, directing the functions of government that fall under the auspices of the Broward Board of County Commissioners, including nearly 7,000 employees in 60+ agencies. Link to image Ramola Motwani is Chairwoman of Merrimac Ventures. Born and raised in India, she has been an active leader in numerous Fort Lauderdale community projects and a major component in beach development and redevelopment issues. Link to image Lori Alhadeff was elected to the Broward County School Board in 2018, shortly after her daughter, Alyssa, was tragically killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. She is also the President of @MakeSchoolSafe8, a national non-profit focused on protecting students. Link to image Verdenia Baker has been the Palm Beach County Administrator since 2015, where she has led initiatives to better housing, representation, and business opportunities for all. She's also helped to secure events including 3 Super Bowls and a presidential debate in Palm Beach County. Link to image Cindy Arenberg Seltzer is the 1st President & CEO of @CSCBroward, where she has transformed so many young lives in Broward County through a focus on proven programs. She also helped in the creation of the Eagles Haven Wellness Center. Link to image”

Nadler (D-NY-12) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “The @ADL report detailing the dramatic rise in antisemitic attacks is profoundly alarming. We must continue to call out hate wherever we see it. This disturbing trend cannot become normalized. ADL reports massive increase in antisemitic incidents in 2022 - Jewish Telegraphic Agency”

Pascrell (D-NJ-9) 03/23/2023: Retweet of @BillPascrell – “As we debate the republican Book Ban Bill in Congress this week the republican leader-in-waiting is banning books about Holocaust survivors. Republicans want to see this everywhere. Link to image”

Stabenow (D-MI) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “Shameful! Michigan GOP attempts to tie gun reforms to Holocaust, faces backlash... | detroitnews.com”

Afghanistan

Bucshon (R-IN-8) 03/22/2023: Retweet of @SpeakerMcCarthy – “When Democrats had the House majority, they refused to ask any tough questions about: → The origins of COVID → The 13 service members we lost in Afghanistan → The $1,000,000 payment from China to the Biden family No more coverups. Republicans are getting to the truth. Link to video”

Davidson (R-OH-8) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “This administration & Secretary Blinken must be held accountable for the failed Afghanistan withdrawal and failure to define a mission in Ukraine. Today we demand answers. Link to video”

Diaz-Balart (R-FL-26) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “Women & girls in #Afghanistan have been banned from school & public life. I had the opportunity to meet with a group of brave & inspiring Afghan women to discuss the harsh realities women are experiencing after Biden's abrupt withdrawal & Taliban takeover. They deserve better. Link to image”

Green (R-TN-7) 03/22/2023: Tweet – “The American people deserve accountability. Link to quoted tweetCHM @RepMcCaul sent a letter to @SecBlinken following up on previous requests, emphasizing the need for @StateDept to produce Afghanistan withdrawal documents ahead of the secretary's March 23rd testimony or face subpoena⬇️ (Link to twitter.com)”

Mast (R-FL-21) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “Secretary of State Blinken testified in the House Foreign Affairs Committee. I'll continue to demand accountability for the failed withdrawal from Afghanistan. Link to video”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 03/22/2023: Tweet – “For months, I've requested documents from Sec. Blinken that would provide answers on the admin's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. If he doesn't provide them by the time he testifies before @HouseForeignGOP tomorrow, I'm prepared to issue a subpoena.Top Republican threatens subpoena if Blinken doesn't provide documents on Afghanistan withdrawal... | washingtonexaminer.com”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 03/23/2023: Retweet of @Dylan_Housman – “. @RepMcCaul says a former ambassador is literally calling "bullshit" on the Biden administration's coverup of a cable of dissent from Afghanistan in 2021 @DailyCaller Link to video”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 03/23/2023: Retweet of @Dylan_Housman – “. @RepMcCaul says a former ambassador is literally calling "bullshit" on the Biden administration's coverup of a cable of dissent from Afghanistan in 2021 @DailyCaller Link to video”

Mills (R-FL-7) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “This botched withdrawal impacted not only those who lost their lives, but their families. This isn't about political points. This is about accountability for a terrible foreign policy decision. Link to quoted tweetDuring a hearing with Sec Blinken Rep McCaul speaks to the mother in law of a US service member who died in Afghanistan who is crying in the hearing room, saying "we will not rest" until they get answers about how US service members & Afghans died & until there is accountability.”

Moran (R-KS) 03/22/2023: Tweet – “Afghanistan is facing a massive humanitarian crisis that is made worse by the Taliban's actions. As Co-Chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I asked @SecBlinken what is being done to pressure the Taliban to change course so that the hunger crisis can be effectively addressed. Link to video”

Roy (R-TX-21) 03/23/2023: Retweet of @WarrenDavidson – “This administration & Secretary Blinken must be held accountable for the failed Afghanistan withdrawal and failure to define a mission in Ukraine. Today we demand answers. Link to video”

Other - Middle East

Blackburn (R-TN) 03/22/2023: Tweet – “Why is TikTok comparing the Uyghurs to al-Qaeda? Because they are backed by the CCP. Link to quoted tweetGood grief. This detail from @james_t_quinn is nuts. Michael Beckerman, the top in-house lobbyist for @tiktok_us, compared Uyghurs to terrorists and al-Qaeda specifically. (‘This Might Be the End': TikTok Showdown Reaches Fever Pitch with CEO's Congressional Testimony | National Review) (Link to twitter.com)”

Jackson (D-IL-1) 03/22/2023: Twitter thread – “As we embark on this season of worship and reflection, I extend warm wishes for a joyous #Ramadan to all who observe. My travels throughout the Middle East with my father, Rev. Jesse Jackson, have deepened my understanding of this sacred time of introspection, prayer,& sacrifice. Link to image In this holy month, I pause to acknowledge the values of compassion, unity, and hope that Ramadan nurtures in our hearts.  Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Ramadan—Ramadan Mubarak!”

Lee (D-PA-12) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “Anti-Muslim hate has NO place in America, or anywhere in the world. I'm proud to support @Ilhan's resolution to condemn Islamophobia & commemorate the 4 year anniversary of the horrific Christchurch Mosque Massacre.”

Murphy (D-CT) 03/22/2023: Tweet – “True story. Link to quoted tweet"The Middle East always gets an outsized share of attention from this country and this Congress" - @ChrisMurphyCT”

Omar (D-MN-5) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “Rep. Omar is holding a press conference to announce a new resolution to condemn the rise in Islamophobia Rep. Ilhan Omar... | twitter.com”

Omar (D-MN-5) 03/23/2023: Retweet of @RepSummerLee – “Anti-Muslim hate has NO place in America, or anywhere in the world. I'm proud to support @Ilhan's resolution to condemn Islamophobia & commemorate the 4 year anniversary of the horrific Christchurch Mosque Massacre.”

Risch (R-ID) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “In the #MiddleEast, it's clear the Biden Admin is failing to compete w/ #China. I recently returned from the region, and the admin's policies, across the board, have created great concerns for our partners there. Ranking Member Risch Opening Statement at Hearing on FY24 State Department Budget Request | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations”

Rogers (R-AL-3) 03/23/2023: Retweet of @HASCRepublicans – “Chairman @RepMikeRogersAL, delivered the following opening remarks at a hearing on the United States' military posture and the national security challenges in the Greater Middle East and Africa. ROGERS OPENING STATEMENT AT HEARING ON NATIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES IN THE GREATER MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA... | armedservices.house.gov   Link to image”

Strong (R-AL-5) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “HAPPENING NOW: ⁦@HASCRepublicans⁩ hearing on the United States' military posture and the national security challenges in the Greater Middle East and Africa. ⬇️ watch live below. 20230323 FC Hearing: US Military Posture & Nat. Sec. Challenges in the Greater Middle East & Africa... | youtube.com”

Tlaib (D-MI-12) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “Proud to join Rep. @Ilhan to honor the 51 beautiful lives that were stolen in the horrific Christchurch mosque attacks four years ago. We must reject Islamophobia, white nationalism, and policies that seek to divide us based on who we are, how we pray, or the color of our skin. Link to image”

Wittman (R-VA-1) 03/23/2023: Tweet – “There are no geographic limits to the expansionist intent of the CCP and the threat to the United States and our allies.   I look forward to hearing from @CENTCOM and @AFRICOM during our @HASCRepublicans hearing today on security challenges in the greater Middle East and Africa.”