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5 days ago | 
arabcenterdc.org | Ethan Mayer- RichManager |Ethan Mayer-Rich
Lawmakers returned to Washington after a short break away from the Capitol. Their two-week recess coincided with major developments in the Middle East. The United States and Iran have held three rounds of direct talks over the latter’s nuclear program, but the situation remains delicate as a tentative fourth round of talks was recently postponed.
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1 week ago | 
arabcenterdc.org | Ethan Mayer- RichManager |Ethan Mayer-Rich
I. Legislative Branch1) LegislationHouse Democrats Concerned with Violence in West Bank. On April 28, Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Adam Smith (D-WA), and Jim Himes (D-CT) introduced H.R.3045, which would sanction individuals perpetrating violence in the West Bank. Sen. Risch Introduces Bill to Defend Israel at the United Nations.
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2 weeks ago | 
arabcenterdc.org | Ethan Mayer- RichManager |Ethan Mayer-Rich
I. Legislative Branch1) LegislationRepublican-Led Bill Would Let Americans Sue UNRWA. On April 14, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced legislation that would enable lawsuits in US courts against international organizations, such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, that are accused of providing material support to terrorist groups. House Resolution Looks to Recognize Arab American Heritage Month. On April 24, Rep.
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3 weeks ago | 
arabcenterdc.org | Ethan Mayer- RichManager |Ethan Mayer-Rich
I. Legislative Branch1) LegislationHouse Bill Targets Government Funding Going to Iran. On April 14, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) introduced H.R.2917, which would require the reporting and public disclosure of any funding from a government grant or contract that goes to an entity located in a “foreign country of concern,” including Iran. Bipartisan Anti-BDS Legislation Introduced. On April 16, Reps.
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1 month ago | 
arabcenterdc.org | Ethan Mayer- RichManager |Ethan Mayer-Rich
I. Legislative Branch1) LegislationLawmakers Continue Pressure on Campus Protests and Higher Ed Funding. On April 7, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) introduced H.R.2686, which would fine colleges and universities that violate students’ civil rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, citing concerns about alleged anti-Semitism on campus. On April 9, Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) and Rep.
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1 month ago | 
arabcenterdc.org | Ethan Mayer- RichManager |Ethan Mayer-Rich
I. Legislative Branch1) LegislationFlurry of New Legislation Targets Iran. On March 26, Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) introduced 1136 and H.R.2394, which would enhance criminal sentences for offenses directed by foreign governments, namely Iran. On March 31, Rep. William Keating (D-MA) introduced R.2505, which would require the US government to develop strategies to prevent the export of technologies related to unmanned aircraft systems to Iran. On April 1, Rep.
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1 month ago | 
arabcenterdc.org | Ethan Mayer- RichManager |Ethan Mayer-Rich
On April 1, the United States closely followed special elections in Florida and Wisconsin. Under ordinary circumstances, an April election to fill two House seats in Florida and a Supreme Court vacancy in Wisconsin would not garner national attention, but these are not ordinary times. Tuesday’s elections offered a first measure, however small, of the country’s feelings toward President Donald Trump amid a series of recent controversies and radical policy changes.
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1 month ago | 
arabcenterdc.org | Ethan Mayer- RichManager |Ethan Mayer-Rich
I. Legislative Branch1) LegislationNew Bills Continue Pressure on Pro-Palestine Protests. On March 21, Rep. Austin Pfluger (R-TX) introduced H.R.2272, which would revoke the visa of any individual convicted of assaulting a police officer or of participating in “riots.” Rep. Pfluger also introduced H.R.2273, which would remove federal student aid benefits from individuals convicted of assaulting police officers or rioting. On March 27, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Rep.
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1 month ago | 
arabcenterdc.org | Ethan Mayer- RichManager |Ethan Mayer-Rich
I. Legislative Branch1) LegislationHouse Bill Targets Protesters. On March 11, Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC) introduced H.R.2065, the “Unmasking Hamas Act,” which would increase penalties for individuals, targeting participants in pro-Palestine protests, who use a mask or disguise while damaging federal property or infringing on a constitutionally protected right. House Bill Would Revoke Visas of Alleged FTO Supporters. On March 18, Rep.
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2 months ago | 
arabcenterdc.org | Ethan Mayer- RichManager |Ethan Mayer-Rich
I. Legislative Branch1) LegislationRepublicans Look to Cut Funding for UN Agencies. On March 3, Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) introduced H.R.1792, which would prohibit US funding to the UN International Organization for Migration, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). On March 4, Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and Sen.
