Members on the Record (Automated) for Thu May 04, 2023

Israel - Palestine

Banks (R-IN-3) 05/04/2023: Tweet – “The Biden admin picked a radical left-wing, anti-Israel group to reform the IRS's filing system. Democrats are making sure the IRS spends their new $80 billion on the far-left's priorities! IRS's 'Non-Partisan' Pick to Study Tax System Isn't So Non-Partisan... | freebeacon.com”

Ernst (R-IA) 05/04/2023: Tweet – “I'm working with @SenJackyRosen and the #AbrahamAccords Caucus co-chairs to counter Iran's malign influence and promote a more peaceful Middle East. @SenatorLankford @SenBooker Ernst introduces the MARITIME Act... | kelo.com”

Ernst (R-IA) 05/04/2023: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Thank you @SenJoniErnst for leading this bipartisan legislation with @SenJackyRosen @SenatorLankford @SenBooker to help counter Iranian aggression and expand partnerships with key allies in the region. Link to quoted tweet”

Griffith (R-VA-9) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “Thank you to @Saltvilledrug for having me out to @Clarks_Pharmacy today to discuss how to increase patient access to medications. Great to also be joined by @IsraelOQuinn during today's visit. Link to image”

Hoyer (D-MD-5) 05/03/2023: Twitter thread – “I was proud to join @SpeakerMcCarthy and a dozen of my Congressional colleagues on my nineteenth visit to Israel. The U.S.-Israel relationship remains robust, and our partnership is vital to the future success of our two nations, the region, and the world. Hoyer Participates in Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Israel and Jordan | Congressman Steny Hoyer   Link to image During my time in Israel, I had critically important dialogues with leaders in the region including Prime Minister @netanyahu, President @Isaac_Herzog , and Speaker of the Knesset @AmirOhana. Thank you for your continued partnership. Link to image At the @yadvashem Holocaust Museum, I had the privilege of taking part in a wreath-laying ceremony that honored the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The lessons that we gleaned from the Holocaust must continue to guide us as we seek to promote inclusivity around the world. Link to image Our delegation also visited Jordan and it was a pleasure to speak with King Abdullah II, Crown Prince Hussein, and other key Jordanian leaders about strengthening our ties and building greater peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the region. Link to image”

LaLota (R-NY-1) 05/03/2023: Twitter thread – “(1/3) America is Israel's strongest ally Israel is America's strongest ally. Our strategic partnership, centered around deterring conflicts with common adversaries, is vital to America's national security. #NY01 Link to image (2/3) To reaffirm our partnership, I joined a bipartisan delegation to Jerusalem. We met with @netanyahu, President @Isaac_Herzog, and Speaker @AmirOhana to discuss topics including security assistance, intelligence sharing, the Abraham Accords, and reforms in Israel's judiciary. Link to image (3/3) As a Military Veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, I understand and am fully committed to America's strategic partnership with Israel. #NY01 Link to image”

Landsman (D-OH-1) 05/03/2023: Twitter thread – “I was honored to join the bipartisan congressional delegation to Jordan and Israel, organized by Speaker McCarthy. It was a highly productive and important trip. Here's why: Link to image We got a much better sense for what is happening in Jordan and in Israel, and how as a group of bipartisan lawmakers, we can further the strategic partnership with Israel and Jordan. The relationships we made will make a big difference moving forward. Link to image We are deeply invested in the success and stability of Jordan. The three big threats to Jordan are Iran, unemployment, and access to water. Preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear capacity has to remain at the very top of our list of global priorities. Link to image In Israel, there is real domestic turmoil, but the democracy is very much alive. More than 70% of voters participated in the recent elections, and protests have been huge and peaceful. It is my hope that the major parties can find consensus for reforms. Link to image To get big things done, we have to build relationships. Even though we may not agree on much, the better the relationships with my colleagues, the more likely it is I can get things done for the folks I represent. That's my job, and I take it very seriously. Link to image”

Lee (D-PA-12) 05/04/2023: Tweet – “After the worst antisemitic attack in American history, the Tree of Life Synagogue has sat empty. I am working to secure a combined $3.9M in funding to renovate the building, help with trauma & to create a community space to teach about antisemitism. Summer Lee working to secure funding to address trauma from 10/27 shooting... | jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com”

Mast (R-FL-21) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “I'm proud to be the only Member of Congress who has worn both the uniform of the United States Army and the uniform of the Israel Defense Forces, and I'll continue to stand for the strongest partnership possible between our two countries. #Israel75 Link to quoted tweetThank you @RepBrianMast for celebrating 75 years of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship! #Israel75 🇺🇸🇮🇱 (Link to twitter.com)”

McCollum (D-MN-4) 05/03/2023: Retweet of @amanpour – “Today marks World Press Freedom Day, and nearly a year since journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed. “This wasn't errant gunfire – this was deliberate targeting” by Israeli forces, reporter @sharifkouddous tells me, and forms “part of a pattern of impunity.” Link to video”

Menendez (D-NJ-8) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “Just returned from my 1st Congressional Delegation abroad to Israel + Jordan; a bipartisan trip led by @SpeakerMcCarthy + @RepStenyHoyer Incredible experience + opportunity to strengthen the bonds w/ our allies. Excited to share moments from the journey over the coming days. Link to image”

Omar (D-MN-5) 05/03/2023: Retweet of @amanpour – “Today marks World Press Freedom Day, and nearly a year since journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed. “This wasn't errant gunfire – this was deliberate targeting” by Israeli forces, reporter @sharifkouddous tells me, and forms “part of a pattern of impunity.” Link to video”

Porter (D-CA-47) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “I enjoyed meeting with @MeravMichaeli, leader of the Israeli Labor Party, in Washington to follow up after my visit to Israel earlier this year. We reaffirmed the shared values between our countries and our commitment to improving our nations' democracies. Link to image”

Rubio (R-FL) 05/04/2023: Tweet – “As we commemorated the 75th anniversary of Israel's founding, we are reminded of the importance of this significant milestone in the U.S. & Israel partnership. Honored to join Senate colleagues in introducing this resolution recognizing Israel's 75th anniversary. #Israel75 Link to quoted tweetI'm proud to co-lead a Senate resolution in honor of #Israel's 75th anniversary. Israel has no greater friend than the U.S., & I look forward to our continued work to enhance peace, confront extremism & intolerance, & build a more peaceful #MiddleEast. (Risch, Menendez, Schumer, McConnell Lead Colleagues in Introducing Resolution on 75th Anniversary of Founding of the State of Israel | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations)”

Young (R-IN) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “This bipartisan resolution recognizes the historic founding of the State of Israel and the special relationship between our countries. I am proud to support a strong U.S.-Israel relationship in Congress. Young, Colleagues Introduce Resolution on 75th Anniversary of Founding of the State of Israel | U.S. Senator Todd Young of Indiana”

Syria

Cornyn (R-TX) 05/04/2023: Tweet – “The U.S. has renewed direct talks with Syria to determine the fate of missing journalist Austin Tice and other Americans who disappeared during the nation's civil war WSJ News Exclusive | U.S. Revives Talks With Syria Over Missing Journalist Austin Tice via @WSJ”

Hagerty (R-TN) 05/03/2023: Twitter thread – “I'm pleased to be an original co-sponsor of the Solidify Iran Sanctions Act–a bill that will make permanent the Iran Sanctions Act–a cornerstone law in America's broader sanctions program against Iran's terror-sponsoring regime. Hagerty, Scott, Hassan, Rosen Reintroduce Bill to Solidify U.S. Sanctions on Iran - Senator Bill Hagerty The Iranian regime continues to increase its nuclear & ballistic missile investments & its support for terrorism & militancy in the Middle East–as further shown by the recent Iranian-backed drone strike in Syria that killed a US citizen. The US should not ease sanctions unless and until the Iranian regime ends its malign and destabilizing behavior.”

Iran

Blackburn (R-TN) 05/04/2023: Tweet – “The Axis of Evil at work Iran Seizes Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Navy Says... | wsj.com”

Burchett (R-TN-2) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “I'm sure we will send them a stern letter. That will fix it. Link to quoted tweetIran just took over a ship in the straights of Hormuz flying a Panamanian flag. FYI: that's not a ship from Panama. Maybe we should send some Navy SEALs to kick the shit out of these “elite” republican guards…”

Cardin (D-MD) 05/03/2023: Twitter thread – “According to @pressfreedom, last year marked a record-breaking year for attacks on journalists. On #WorldPressFreedomDay, I stand in solidarity with all journalists who are attacked, killed or imprisoned for simply doing their job. I stand with Evan Gershkovich imprisoned in Russia, Myo San Soe in Burma, Qurban Mamut in China, Iranian journalists Niloufar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, who helped expose the case of Mahsa Amini, and all those unjustly imprisoned around the world.”

Lamborn (R-CO-5) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “Pleased to introduce The Closing IRGC Sanctions Loopholes Act. This bill requires the President to conduct reviews of the Iran sanctions lists & clarifies existing law to ensure no individual affiliated with the IRGC evades sanctions. We must stand with the Iranian people. Link to image”

Lankford (R-OK) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “Iran remains the top threat in the Middle East. President Biden must push policy of strength to stop Iran's behavior. Link to quoted tweetTROUBLED WATERS: Declassified Navy video captures stunning moment Iran seizes second oil tanker in a week. (Iran seizes second oil tanker in a week, US Navy says... | fxn.ws) (Link to twitter.com)”

Mills (R-FL-7) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “I'm proud to introduce the Reinforcing Sanctions on Iranian Terrorists Act to codify sanctions against Mahan Air, an Iranian airline that has been proven to be integral to the IRGC's terrorist activities. I will work to ensure authoritarian regimes do not go unchecked. Link to image”

Nehls (R-TX-22) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “Iran is seizing oil tankers in the Gulf, and the U.S. Navy is more focused on recruiting drag queens. Priorities!”

Risch (R-ID) 05/03/2023: In reply to Tweet@WSJ #Tunisia has increased its imprisonment of journalists, including Noureddine Boutar, for criticizing the government. Journalists should be allowed to do their job without being jailed. – “@WSJ #Iran remains the highest jailer of journalists in the world. The regime continues to harass and arrest journalists simply for trying to do their job. @WSJ #PressFreedom is under threat in the #GreatLakes region of Africa, with the suspicious death of #Rwanda investigative journalist John Williams Ntwali and the 10-year imprisonment of #Burundi journalist Floriane Irangabiye. Real #pressfreedom includes the ability to conduct investigative journalism on corruption without threat or intimidation. Inquiries into the killings of #Cameroon journalists Martinez Zogo & Jean-Jacques Ola Bebe must be credible, with findings publicly released. It is tragic that the #Lukashenka regime's arrest, abuse, and incarceration of journalists like Maryna Zolatava, Ihar Losik, & Andrzej Poczobut in #Belarus go largely ignored. There is no #pressfreedom in Belarus. #Haiti has become an increasingly dangerous place for journalists with 7 killed in 2022. Being a journalist should not be a death sentence. #Cuba remains the most repressive environment for journalists & #pressfreedom in the Americas. The government continues to restrict internet access & there is no independent press.”

Risch (R-ID) 05/04/2023: Tweet – “#Iran continues to reinforce its status as a pariah state. We are overdue for a more comprehensive U.S. policy. We must enforce sanctions, increase deterrence, counter the ghost fleet, & ensure our partners have the means to defend themselves. Second oil tanker in a week seized by Iran in Gulf - U.S. Navy”

Egypt

Garbarino (R-NY-2) 05/04/2023: Tweet – “It was an honor to meet the U.S. Marines who protect the American embassy in Cairo, Egypt and thank them for their service to our nation. Link to image”

Houchin (R-IN-9) 05/03/2023: Retweet of @SpeakerMcCarthy – “Our delegation was honored to express gratitude to the Marines who keep our embassy in Cairo, Egypt safe. Thank you, @USMC for your service and dedication to our nation. 🇺🇸 Link to image”

Houchin (R-IN-9) 05/04/2023: Retweet of @RepMoskowitz – “Yesterday, our congressional delegation was in Cairo to discuss areas of cooperation with Egyptian leaders and also thank some of our brave Marines stationed here. Link to image”

Moskowitz (D-FL-23) 05/04/2023: Tweet – “Yesterday, our congressional delegation was in Cairo to discuss areas of cooperation with Egyptian leaders and also thank some of our brave Marines stationed here. Link to image”

Velázquez (D-NY-7) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “In honor of #SmallBusinessWeek, I stopped by Sabry's Seafood in Astoria for a delicious Egyptian seafood dinner. NY-7 is fortunate to have such a vibrant and diverse small business community! Link to image”

Iraq

Gallego (D-AZ-3) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “I am a dad, an Iraq War veteran, and the first in my family to attend college. We need leaders who will fight for Arizona, not Wall Street. Rush $10 to help us take the U.S. Senate seat held by Kyrsten Sinema. Contribute to Ruben Gallego for Senate... | secure.actblue.com”

McClain (R-MI-9) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “I am proud to cosponsor @RepMoolenaar and @RepSlotkin efforts to protect ethnic Iraqis and religious minority groups! This resolution seeks to restore security, stability and economic opportunity that is vital to these Iraqi communities.”

Slotkin (D-MI-7) 05/03/2023: Twitter thread – “I co-led the #PACTAct because millions of veterans — particularly from Iraq & Afghanistan — weren't getting the specialized care they needed. All of them who served in these & other war zones lived near trash burn pits, and that smoke has led to a bunch of specific heath issues. Link to quoted tweetBIG NEWS! VA just announced that more than 3 million veterans have been screened for toxic exposure and 500,000+ have filed for toxic exposure-related benefits since our bill, the Honoring our PACT Act became law last year. We won't go back on our promise. (Toxic Exposure Law Triggers Tsunami of Veteran Disability Claims... | military.com) Since we got this bill signed into law in August, over 3 million vets have gotten toxic exposure screenings and a lot more are in the queue, which shows just how big a game-changer this will be for millions of retired service members. When we send our men and women in uniform into harm's way, we make a commitment to care for them for the rest of their lives. This law is helping to keep that promise, and I can't wait to discuss it at our veterans town hall with the @DeptVetAffairs on Friday.”

United Arab Emirates

Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8) 05/03/2023: Tweet – ““What I can say is that it's only increased my concerns about CCP's influence in the Middle East, in the UAE and in other countries of interest to us,” Briefings on UAE-China ties revive lawmakers' worry about Mideast ally - Roll Call”

Sudan

Kaine (D-VA) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “Yesterday, Sen. Kaine and @MarkWarner sent a letter urging the Biden Administration to issue a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Sudan so that current Sudanese TPS holders in the United States don't have to return to Sudan in the middle of the ongoing violence. Link to video”

Pakistan

Brecheen (R-OK-2) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “We're $31.5 trillion in debt, yet Joe Biden is handing out grants for transgender youth in Pakistan. This is where your hard earned tax dollars are going. Biden offers $500K grant for English teachers in Pakistan that focus on transgender youth... | foxnews.com”

Jewish, Anti-semitism

Bonamici (D-OR-1) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “May is Jewish Heritage Month. This is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions Jewish Americans have made throughout our country's history and to renew our stand against antisemitism in all its forms.”

Espaillat (D-NY-13) 05/03/2023: In reply to TweetI'm proud to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters this #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth. As we confront a rise in antisemitism across our nation we must recommit ourselves to speaking out and standing up against hate everywhere. Antisemitism will NEVER be tolerated America! (Link to twitter.com) – “Estoy orgulloso de estar con nuestros hermanos y hermanas judíos este #MesDeLaHerenciaJudíoEstadounidense. A medida que enfrentamos un aumento del antisemitismo en toda nuestra nación, debemos reafirmar nuestro compromiso dejar escuchar nuestras voces y oponernos al odio en todas partes. ¡El antisemitismo NUNCA será tolerado en Estados Unidos!”

Gimenez (R-FL-28) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “#TeamGiménez at the unveiling of Tibor & Sheila Hollo Park in the City of Miami. Honored to have presented a Congressional Record to Tibor Hollo, a true pillar of our community and a Holocaust survivor, for his countless contributions to South Florida. Link to image”

Horsford (D-NV-4) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “Happy #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth! This May, join me in recognizing and celebrating the many contributions of Jewish Americans to our nation. Let's continue to promote religious freedom, diversity, and respect for all, and recommit ourselves to standing against antisemitism. Link to image”

Ivey (D-MD-4) 05/04/2023: Tweet – “Happy #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth! This month, we celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of Jewish life and the contributions that Jewish Americans provide to the rich fabric of our nation. #OurSharedHeritage Link to image”

Klobuchar (D-MN) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “May is Jewish American Heritage Month. Our Jewish community has made invaluable contributions to our county and continues to inspire us. Now more than ever, we must recommit ourselves to rooting out hate and antisemitism.”

Lee (D-PA-12) 05/04/2023: Retweet of @RepSummerLee – “As the trial for the worst antisemitic attack in American history is underway in my district, I'd just like to remind you: Tree of Life Synagogue: AR-15 Nashville: AR-15 Sandy Hook: AR-15 Parkland: AR-15 Uvalde: AR-15 Vegas: AR-15 Buffalo: AR-15 Aurora: AR-15 It's the guns.”

McClain (R-MI-9) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “This May, we honor and celebrate Jewish American History Month, which is a time to recognize the incredible impact the Jewish community has on our society. We must also recommit ourselves to standing strong in the fight against anti-Semitism. Link to image”

Peters (D-CA-50) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “May is #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth! We honor Jewish contributions to American culture and values and join forces in the fight against antisemitism. #JAHM2023 Link to image”

Ryan (D-NY-18) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “New Yorkers deserve a representative who isn't cozying up to Holocaust deniers or whining and dining neo-nazis. George Santos has McCarthy and Stefanik on his side. His opponent will have us. Join our fight to take back New York: Support Pat Ryan today!... | secure.actblue.com”

Sherman (D-CA-32) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “May is #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth when we join together in celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of American Jewish life and the contributions that Jewish Americans provide to the rich fabric of our nation. #OurSharedHeritage #JAHM2023 Link to image”

Sherrill (D-NJ-11) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “Thank you to the @JewishJfnnj for having me at their annual spring luncheon to discuss the importance of women's leadership. It is so wonderful to be with a group of women who are supporting each other and building community. Congratulations to the honorees! Link to image”

Sinema (I-AZ) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “Good to meet with the Jewish Latino Teen Coalition of Southern Arizona – a student group focused on advancing shared goals between Tucson's Jewish and Latino communities – to discuss solutions to the broken immigration system facing Arizona. Sinema, Jewish Latino Teen Coalition of Southern Arizona Discuss Immigration Reforms... | sinema.senate.gov   Link to image”

Trone (D-MD-6) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “During #JewishHeritageMonth, we celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans and reflect on the long history of Jewish refugees fleeing oppression. Remembering the past helps us pave the way for a better future, and you can always count on me to disavow hate in all forms. Link to image”

Velázquez (D-NY-7) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “Today, I presented a check for $1.2M in joint Community Project Funding to @UnitedJewish and @HenryStreet. This funding will help bolster these organizations' efforts to provide critical social services to New Yorkers. Link to image”

Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) 05/04/2023: Tweet – “JAHM Fact: Did you know that in 1654 the first Jewish people to migrate to North America settled in New Amsterdam, which is known today as #NewYorkCity? 🌎🍎 #OurSharedHeritage #JAHM2023 Link to image”

Afghanistan

Lawler (R-NY-17) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “Today is Interpreter Appreciation Day and my thoughts are with the interpreters left behind in Afghanistan. Our standing in the world was unquestionably diminished by the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. Link to video”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 05/03/2023: Twitter thread – “CHM @RepMcCaul and Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia CHM @RepJoeWilson sent a letter to @jakejsullivan expressing deep concern over the Taliban's recent move of detaining American hostages. Read an excerpt from their letter here⬇️ Link to image Find the full release and letter below⬇️ McCaul, Wilson Express 'Deep Concern' Over Taliban Detainment of Americans to NSA Sullivan - Committee on Foreign Affairs”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 05/03/2023: Twitter thread – “McCaul in @TexasInsider on the Admin's Afghanistan withdrawal coverup: "After my threat to subpoena the After-Action Review, the admin finally released it to Congress. texasinsider... | texasinsider.org “It confirms what we knew all along: The Biden administration was hiding this report for a reason. It stands directly at odds with their public narrative.””

Other - Middle East

Ramirez (D-IL-3) 05/03/2023: Tweet – “It's Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month! #AAPI includes people w/ heritage from the Pacific Islands & Asia, including East, Southeast, South Asia, & Middle East. #IL03 is proud to be home to many in the #AAPI community! I'm honored to serve & celebrate you. Link to image”