Members on the Record (Automated) for Thu May 18, 2023

Israel - Palestine

Bilirakis (R-FL-12) 05/18/2023: Tweet – “Today we commemorate the reunification of East Jerusalem with West Jerusalem following the Six-Day War of 1967. We will always support and defend our most steadfast ally, Israel. Link to image”

Cardin (D-MD) 05/18/2023: Twitter thread – “Today, the Senate unanimously approved the resolution I introduced with @SenJackyRosen and @SenatorTimScott to declare May as #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth. We've seen antisemitic incidents and rhetoric -- sometimes perpetuated by people with enormous followings -- rise to an all-time high, but this is a powerful declaration of unity. This resolution occurs in the same month that we recognize #Israel75 and the 30th anniversary of the @HolocaustMuseum. These milestones are landmarks to the resiliency of the Jewish people.”

Carson (D-IN-7) 05/18/2023: Retweet of @pressfreedom – “Happening now: Press conference in Washington, D.C. about @AlJazeera journalist #ShireenAbuAkleh, who was killed by an Israeli soldier in the West Bank town of Jenin in 2022. @CPJMENA Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour will speak about our report on Israeli impunity, "Deadly… Show more   Link to image”

Durbin (D-IL) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “Honored to receive @NMPAorg's President's Award from CEO David Israelite. Music enriches our culture and connects us with others. I'll continue to advocate for songwriters and music publishers – who deserve their work to be protected. Link to image”

Frankel (D-FL-22) 05/18/2023: Tweet – “Florida's book ban is now reaching Holocaust textbooks. That's it. That's all there is to say. Florida rejects Holocaust textbooks for falling afoul of ‘woke' education ban... | timesofisrael.com”

Goldman (D-NY-10) 05/17/2023: Twitter thread – “Summer is here and vacation travel is around the corner. My office has received call after call about unacceptable passport delays that force New Yorkers to either pay for expedited processing and overnight shipping or risk not receiving one at all. In March I expressed concern about delays and staffing shortages at the embassy in Jerusalem that prevented Americans from returning to the U.S. and got results. Now I'm joining @RepNikema to request answers from @StateDept on how we can address backlogs, this time here at home.”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 05/18/2023: Tweet – “I took to the House Floor to highlight the critical importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship.   Over the last 75 years, bipartisan support for the relationship has proven vital to America's national security and to our fight against terror. Happy Birthday Israel! Link to video”

Graham (R-SC) 05/17/2023: Twitter thread – “I completely agree with the Biden Administration's desire to normalize relationships between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia….and eventually Saudi Arabia and Israel. Biden admin pushing for Saudi-Israeli peace deal by end of year, officials say... | axios.com On my recent trip to Saudi Arabia and Israel, I expressed support for this idea. I believe the time is right for this historic change. I will continue to be supportive of this effort and hope it takes place sooner rather than later.”

Hagerty (R-TN) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “Not a surprise to see the UN displaying overt anti-Semitism by hosting an event that commemorates the establishment of the Jewish state of Israel as a ‘catastrophe'. U.S. tax dollars should not go to such an institution. UN to commemorate Palestinians' 1948 flight from Israel for the first time... | apnews.com”

Houchin (R-IN-9) 05/17/2023: Twitter thread – “Recently ➡️ I joined @SpeakerMcCarthy's first international Congressional Delegation #CODEL to the countries of Jordan, Israel, Egypt, and Italy. The trip was focused on promoting peace and stability with U.S. allies and partners. 🇯🇴 🇮🇱 🇪🇬 🇮🇹 🧵1/13 Congresswoman Houchin Joins Overseas CODEL with Speaker McCarthy | Congresswoman Erin Houchin We were welcomed to Jordan by His Majesty King Abdullah II and his royal highness Prince Hussein bin Abdullah. Jordan has played a critical role toward peace in the Middle East through the Abraham Accords. Link to image I was grateful for the opportunity to visit Israel, our ally & friend with @SpeakerMcCarthy to celebrate 75 years of their independence. 🇺🇲 🇮🇱 Thank you Speaker @AmirOhana for hosting us. Link to image It was an honor and privilege to meet Prime Minister @netanyahu and President @Isaac_Herzog and to have an open discussion about the progress that has been made toward peace in the Middle East. Link to image It was an incredibly moving experience to visit Holy sites in Jerusalem – including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall where we placed a written prayer into the wall. Each evening, these prayers are collected, blessed, and buried. Link to image In Israel, we paid our respects to victims of the Holocaust by visiting the Yad Vashem. While there, we viewed the Book of Names, a 2-million-page book documenting 4 million names of victims. The book includes empty pages for the nearly 2 million more that are not yet documented. Link to image Witnessed @SpeakerMcCarthy's historic address to the Knesset – only the second Speaker of the House to ever make this address. He focused on the bond between our two counties and how the U.S. was the first to recognize Israel's statehood. Link to image Thank you, Israel, for the tremendous hospitality and treating us as friends and honored guests. I look forward to continuing our strong U.S.-Israel friendship for years to come. Link to image The trip to Egypt was an opportunity to understand the relationship between our countries and solidify their commitment to peace in the Middle East. 🇺🇲🇪🇬 It was great to have the opportunity to thank U.S. Marines stationed in Egypt at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. Link to image Visiting with President al-Sisi was a fascinating experience and a study of the history of U.S. and Egyptian relations. Link to image As the first woman to represent our district in Congress meeting the first female Prime Minister of Italy @GiorgiaMeloni was especially meaningful. It was enlightening to hear her share some of the same challenges in encouraging mothers to enter the workforce. Link to image While in Italy, we were given a warm welcome from Speaker Lorenzo Fontana, members of Parliament, and the Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Link to image During our visit of the historic Vatican, I was blessed with the rare opportunity to meet with His Holiness, Pope Francis. Link to image”

Lawler (R-NY-17) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “Rep. Lawler and Torres Herald Advancement of Abraham Accords Legislation Congressman Mike Lawler... | twitter.com”

Lawler (R-NY-17) 05/17/2023: Retweet of @RepRitchie – “Grateful to @RepMikeLawler and my colleagues on House Foreign Affairs for passing in a bipartisan fashion H.R. 3099 -- the "Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act" -- and hopeful to see it brought to the floor for a full vote and final passage soon. U.S. Reps. Lawler, Torres Applaud Committee Passage of Bipartisan Bill Establishing a Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Push for Floor Vote and Final Passage - Torres”

Lawler (R-NY-17) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “I am incredibly thankful to be working on this important piece of legislation in a bipartisan way with my colleague @RepRitchie. The issue of showing support for Israel, as well as regional peace and prosperity in the Middle East is not a partisan one. Press Releases | Congressman Mike Lawler   Link to image”

Lawler (R-NY-17) 05/18/2023: Tweet – “The @IsraelAllies Foundation came to the Hill & I had the opportunity to speak to them about my legislative priorities & unwavering support for our friend & partner Israel, including H.R. 3099, my bill to strengthen the Abraham Accords by establishing a State Dept Special Envoy. Link to image”

Lesko (R-AZ-8) 05/18/2023: Tweet – “Please join me in celebrating Jerusalem Day, which recognizes the unification of Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty after the Six-Day War of 1967. The U.S. is proud to have Israel as a close friend and ally. 🇺🇸 🇮🇱 Link to image”

McClellan (D-VA-4) 05/18/2023: Tweet – “In 2020, I passed legislation creating the Virginia School Construction & Modernization Commission, which I then chaired. In 2022, @IsraelOQuinn and I created the School Construction Fund & Grant program. Today, that work is paying off! Tidewater, Southwest, Western regions biggest winners on school construction grants - Virginia Mercury”

Molinaro (R-NY-19) 05/18/2023: In reply to Tweet“No city in the world, not even Athens or Rome, ever played as great a role in the life of a nation for so long a time, as #Jerusalem has done in the life of the #Jewish people.” - David Ben Gurion Happy #JerusalemDay🇮🇱 (Link to twitter.com) – “@IsraelNitzan @IsraelinNewYork No city has played such a role in the life of so many more across the globe!”

Ricketts (R-NE) 05/17/2023: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Thank you @SenatorRicketts for celebrating 75 years of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship! #Israel75 🇺🇸🇮🇱 Link to video”

Rubio (R-FL) 05/18/2023: Tweet – “As Israel's opponents continue to use BDS as a hateful weapon to delegitimize the Jewish State and its allies, proud to reintroduce a bill with Senate colleagues which would help state and local governments stand up to this anti-Israel movement. Rubio, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Combat Anti-Israel BDS Campaign... | rubio.senate.gov   Link to image”

Rubio (R-FL) 05/18/2023: Tweet – “Reintroduced a bill with Senate colleagues imposing sanctions on foreign individuals, entities, and governments that provide support to Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other extremist Palestinian terrorist groups. Rubio, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Sanction Enablers of Palestinian Terrorist Groups... | rubio.senate.gov   Link to image”

Scott (R-FL) 05/18/2023: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Thank you @SenRickScott for celebrating 75 years of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship! #Israel75 🇺🇸🇮🇱 Link to video”

Torres (D-NY-15) 05/17/2023: Twitter thread – “If there's one issue that transcends partisanship, it's peace in the Middle East. We must work together to fulfill our moral and strategic obligation to build on the transformative momentum of the Abraham Accords and continue to promote meaningful bilateral relationships abroad. Link to image Grateful to @RepMikeLawler and my colleagues on House Foreign Affairs for passing in a bipartisan fashion H.R. 3099 -- the "Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act" -- and hopeful to see it brought to the floor for a full vote and final passage soon. U.S. Reps. Lawler, Torres Applaud Committee Passage of Bipartisan Bill Establishing a Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Push for Floor Vote and Final Passage - Torres”

Wagner (R-MO-2) 05/17/2023: Twitter thread – “I joined my fellow co-chairs of the Abraham Accords Caucus for a meeting with the Director General of Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ronen Levi. Link to image Director General Levi was one of the chief architects of the Abraham Accords and I appreciated the opportunity to speak with him about our ongoing work to expand the agreements and support economic growth and security in the region.”

Syria

Wilson (R-SC-2) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “I am grateful that my bill countering the brutal dictator Assad passed the @HouseForeignGOP markup unanimously. Link to image”

Iran

Cruz (R-TX) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “Watch: My speech at the Hudson Institute on Iran, Russia, and Ukraine. American National Security and the Russian-Iranian War on Ukraine: A Conversation with Sen. Ted Cruz... | youtu.be”

Cruz (R-TX) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “WATCH: My full discussion with the @HudsonInstitute on Iran, Russia, and Ukraine Link to video”

Cruz (R-TX) 05/17/2023: Retweet of @HudsonInstitute – “Last month Senator @tedcruz questioned the Biden admin for “boosting, and in many cases funding, both sides” of #Russia's war in #Ukraine by loosening sanctions on #Iran. Airing now, he will discuss this and more with Hudson's @Doranimated: American National Security and the Russian-Iranian War on Ukraine: A Conversation with Senator Ted Cruz... | hudson.org”

Mace (R-SC-1) 05/18/2023: Retweet of @OrgIAC – “Iranian Resistance leader @Maryam_Rajavi today addressed the joint meeting of the Congressional Iran Human Rights and Democracy and Iranian Women Caucuses. She highlighted more than 4 decades of women leadership in the ranks of the Iranian Resistance. @StateDRL @HouseForeign… Show more   Link to quoted tweet”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “CHM @RepMcCaul: “The appointment of Iran's Ambassador as chair of the UN Human Rights Council's 2023 Social Forum is absurd and shameful. No regime engaged in such widespread human rights abuses should be in a leadership role at the UN, much less it's leading human rights body.””

Romney (R-UT) 05/18/2023: Tweet – “Autocracy always ends badly: Russia brutalizes its neighbor, China commits genocide on its minorities, Iran executes hundreds and imprisons 20,000 political opponents. Thank God for our Constitution.”

Spanberger (D-VA-7) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “As a former CIA case officer, I recognize threats posed to U.S. security not just by the Chinese Communist Party — but also Russia, Iran, and North Korea. I'm proud to help lead a bipartisan bill to protect our nation's food security, economic security, and national security. Link to image”

Spanberger (D-VA-7) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “Proud to work with @SenatorBraun, @SenatorTester, @SenMarcoRubio, & @SenTuberville to recognize our adversaries' attempts to target U.S. national security interests through seemingly innocuous transactions. We must protect America's farms and farm families from foreign threats. Link to quoted tweetAs a former CIA case officer, I recognize threats posed to U.S. security not just by the Chinese Communist Party — but also Russia, Iran, and North Korea. I'm proud to help lead a bipartisan bill to protect our nation's food security, economic security, and national security. (Link to twitter.com)”

Kuwait

Flood (R-NE-1) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “WATCH: May is #BeefMonth. Nebraska is the top processing state. Number one state for cattle on feed. And the biggest state for beef exports to the EU, South Korea, Kuwait, and Columbia. 🥩🐄 Full speech here👇 Link to video”

Horn of Africa

Omar (D-MN-5) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “Congresswoman Ilhan Omar met today with Ali Sharif Ahmed, Somalia's Ambassador to the United States. Here is a readout of their meeting: Readout of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's Meeting with Somalia's Ambassador to the United States | Representative Ilhan Omar   Link to image”

Sudan

Warner (D-VA) 05/17/2023: Twitter thread – “Now in its second month of conflict, we cannot lose sight of the devastating humanitarian situation in Sudan. As the violence rages and conditions worsen by the day, 25 million people – more than half of Sudan's population – desperately need assistance. Earlier this month, I led my colleagues in pushing for more U.S.-led efforts to secure humanitarian aid access as part of the ceasefire negotiations. This need is even more critical today. As Violence Persists, Warner, Kaine, Colleagues Call for Increased Humanitarian Access and Assistance for Sudan... | warner.senate.gov The violence so far has left hundreds dead, thousands more injured, and displaced more than one million people. The country's health care system has collapsed, and the indiscriminate nature of the violence has severely degraded critical civilian infrastructure. Let's be clear – blame for these conditions and the disruptions to aid lie with the warring parties. Reported gross violations of international humanitarian law have greatly impacted the safety of aid personnel, and directly contribute to the suffering of the Sudanese people. U.S. and internationally mediated efforts recently led to both sides agreeing to a set of principles to protect civilians and support humanitarian access. But establishment of a set of policies to put those principles into action is vital, as today, the violence continues. Senior U.S. official involvement – including through a special envoy deployed to the region – is critical in facilitating direct negotiations between the sides and regional/international partners, and ensuring the involvement of civil society. I'm also concerned about ensuring that Sudanese nationals living here in the U.S. would not be forced to return to Sudan amid this violence. This is why @TimKaine and I have urged for a new TPS designation for Sudan. Amid Conflict, Warner, Kaine Call for New TPS Designation for Sudan... | warner.senate.gov There is considerable risk of this conflict and the resulting humanitarian situation worsening and drawing in external actors. A swift, coordinated, and resourced international and U.S. response remains vital.”

Jewish, Anti-semitism

Manning (D-NC-6) 05/17/2023: Retweet of @POTUS – “As we celebrate Jewish Americans' contributions to our nation, we must continue to condemn hate at every turn. We'll soon release the first-ever national strategy to counter antisemitism and send a clear message with it: In America, hate will not win – and everyone belongs.”

Norcross (D-NJ-1) 05/18/2023: Tweet – “This Jewish American Heritage Month, it's more important than ever to lift up Jewish history and honor those who helped build it. At a time when too many families are living through a rise in antisemitism, we must stand united in our values of freedom and justice.”

Ramirez (D-IL-3) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “Proud to co-lead a bill condemning The Great Replacement Theory & grateful to @RepBowman for his leadership. Link to quoted tweetThe Great Replacement Theory is a white supremacist conspiracy theory. It is antisemitic, xenophobic, racist, sexist, homophobic, & ableist, & it's harming our communities. Proud to co-lead a bill condemning this theory as such & grateful to @RepBowman for his leadership. (Link to twitter.com)”

Ramirez (D-IL-3) 05/17/2023: Twitter thread – “The Great Replacement Theory is a white supremacist conspiracy theory. It is antisemitic, xenophobic, racist, sexist, homophobic, & ableist, & it's harming our communities. Proud to co-lead a bill condemning this theory as such & grateful to @RepBowman for his leadership. Link to video Read our full statement 👇 Ramirez joins Rep. Jamaal Bowman to Reintroduce Resolution Condemning the Great Replacement Theory | Representative Delia Ramirez   Link to video”

Afghanistan

Keating (D-MA-9) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “Excellent Roundtable on Afghan women and girls. Thank you to our expert witnesses for your bravery and for bringing the Taliban's oppression of women to light. Together we must work to protect the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. @RoyaRahmani @HadeiaAmiry @HG_Girowal Link to image”

Manning (D-NC-6) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “One of the most horrific tragedies of the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan is the devastating impact on women and girls; the Taliban have issued 45 decrees curtailing women's rights. I joined a @HouseForeign roundtable to discuss how the US can support Afghan women & girls. Link to image”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “Today, CHM @RepMcCaul gave opening remarks at a full committee roundtable discussing the challenges facing women and girls in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover. WATCH⬇️ Link to video”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “TUNE IN🚨CHM @RepMcCaul will join @wolfblitzer on @CNN at 6:35pm ET to discuss his continued investigation into the Biden Administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan. Don't miss it!”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 05/18/2023: Tweet – “ICYMI🚨CHM @RepMcCaul joined @wolfblitzer on @CNN to discuss his continued investigation into the Biden Administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan. WATCH⬇️ Link to video”

Meeks (D-NY-5) 05/17/2023: Retweet of @RepKManning – “One of the most horrific tragedies of the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan is the devastating impact on women and girls; the Taliban have issued 45 decrees curtailing women's rights. I joined a @HouseForeign roundtable to discuss how the US can support Afghan women & girls. Link to image”

Moskowitz (D-FL-23) 05/17/2023: In reply to TweetNews: In a major development in Hill oversight of the Afghanistan withdrawal, the State Department is inviting McCaul and Meeks to review the 2021 Kabul embassy dissent cable and State's response. Will be in person at State Dept and with names of signatories redacted – “@maxpcohen This is good news”

Pocan (D-WI-2) 05/17/2023: In reply to Tweet@RepMarkPocan No, we dont have to put up with it... You have supported Biden with the lies and all we have is the Durham Report, Hunter's laptop, Afghanastan, COVID and poor mRNA shots, Russia Hoax, FBI Elextion Interference, FTX, and the list goes on and on and on... Liars of this… (Link to twitter.com) (Link to twitter.com) – “@i_canu2 @RepMarkPocan Most closet cases are as homophobic as you. Just saying, queen….”

Waltz (R-FL-6) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “Today, Rep. Waltz questioned USAID Administrator Samantha Powers on the distribution of aid in Afghanistan and the NGOs that the UN is providing that aid to during a @HouseForeignGOP hearing. Watch the exchange 👇 Link to video”

Waltz (R-FL-6) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “It's insane that Samantha Power can't give a simple yes or no answer on whether UN aid programs funded by the American taxpayer are supporting terrorism in Afghanistan!   We can't just blindly trust the UN! Link to quoted tweetToday, Rep. Waltz questioned USAID Administrator Samantha Powers on the distribution of aid in Afghanistan and the NGOs that the UN is providing that aid to during a @HouseForeignGOP hearing. Watch the exchange 👇 (Link to twitter.com)”

Other - Middle East

Gooden (R-TX-5) 05/18/2023: Tweet – “Four years of President Trump: - Secure border - Low inflation - Energy independence - Middle East peace - Huge tax cuts - Massive deregulation - Fair & reciprocal trade All while enduring a historic level of harassment from the government and media.”

Omar (D-MN-5) 05/17/2023: Tweet – “Ya Allah. This is the fourth arson attack on our community in less than a month. My thoughts are with the Muslim community in St. Paul and the whole Twin Cities metro. We are stronger than fear. We will not be terrorized. Link to quoted tweetSt. Paul Mosque Tawhid Islamic Center of Minnesota 430 dale street north St Paul Minnesota 55103 Around eight this morning, the mosque was fully burnt. Fire and police on the scene 6 attack against a mosque in Minnesota. 3 in the last 4 weeks. (Link to twitter.com)”