Updates
September 16, 2020
As Trump Touts Gulf Arab Diplomacy, Congress Questions US-Saudi Relations
Marcus Montgomery discusses President Trump’s White House signing ceremony for normalizing relations between Israel and the UAE and Bahrain; the third US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue; and Congress’s renewed criticism of US-Saudi military and intelligence cooperation.
Learn more »September 10, 2020
Washington Policy Weekly
This week, Marcus Montgomery writes about US lawmakers’ stances against Saudi Arabia's silence on detained activists and Iran's and Egypt's human rights abuses; the Trump Administration’s push for Israeli normalization in the region; and Assistant...
Learn more »September 02, 2020
Washington Policy Weekly
Marcus Montgomery discusses Rep. Engel’s assessment of the Caesar sanctions' role in ending conflict in Syria; the White House’s push for more normalization with Israel; and the heightened tensions between the United States and the...
Learn more »August 26, 2020
Secretary Pompeo Mixes Business and Politics on Diplomatic Tour
Marcus Montgomery reports on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s tour in the Middle East in an effort to encourage Arab states to normalize relations with Israel. Pompeo also addressed the Republican National Convention from Jerusalem,...
Learn more »August 20, 2020
The Trump Administration’s Mixed Diplomatic Record
Marcus Montgomery reports that President Trump’s diplomatic record on the Middle East was mixed this week: he shepherded what he called a “historic” agreement between Israel and the UAE but failed to garner enough support...
Learn more »August 12, 2020
Could Saad Aljabri Drive a Wedge between Washington and Riyadh?
Marcus Montgomery reports that after a relatively quiet summer for the Saudis in Washington, a new lawsuit shines a bright light on Mohammed bin Salman’s conduct and policies and threatens to fissure the close relationship...
Learn more »August 05, 2020
Washington Policy Weekly
Marcus Montgomery reports this week that House Democrats' intelligence authorization bill targets Saudi Arabia; Rep. Doug Lamborn calls for sanctions on PA and PLO officials; and White House Special Representative Avi Berkowitz pushes forward with...
Learn more »July 30, 2020
Pentagon Clarifies US Priorities in the Middle East
In this week’s column, Marcus Montgomery reports that the Pentagon has clarified its priorities in the Middle East as the defeat of the Islamic State and maritime security. Meanwhile, questions remain about the US posture...
Learn more »Reports
May 31, 2017
H.R. 2712: Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2017
On May 25, Rep. Brian Mast (R-Florida) introduced H.R. 2712, “a bill to impose sanctions with respect to foreign support for Palestinian terrorism, and for other purposes.” As of May 30, the bill had garnered...
Learn more »January 06, 2017
House and Senate Introduce Resolutions Disapproving the UNSC Resolution on Israeli Settlements
On January 5, 2017, the US House of Representatives, by a vote of 342-80, passed HRes11, a non-binding resolution objecting to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2334 as an obstacle to Israeli-Palestinian peace....
Learn more »November 17, 2016
House Votes in Favor of Syria Sanctions
On Tuesday, November 15, the House agreed, by a unanimous voice vote, to pass HR5732, the Caesar Civilian Protection Act of 2016, a bill that would impose new sanctions on the Syrian government and its...
Learn more »September 29, 2016
Congress Overrides Presidential Veto of JASTA Legislation
Despite an intensive lobbying effort by Saudi Arabia’s many lobbyists against the Justice against State Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), the House and Senate on September 28 voted to override the President’s veto. This...
Learn more »May 23, 2016
US-Saudi Relations – Update: Senate Passes Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act
On May 17, the Senate passed by voice vote S2040 The Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, referred to as the “JASTA,” after agreeing to a substitute amendment. The amendment, S.Amdt. 3945, was offered...
Learn more »May 04, 2016
Saudi Arabia: Under Congressional Scrutiny
There has been a debate in Washington about the nature of the US-Saudi relationship which recently has been fraught with tension due largely to the Iran nuclear deal, but also the diminution of American...
Learn more »April 20, 2016
Who is Behind the Effort to Declare the Muslim Brotherhood a Terrorist Organization
(amended) The issue of designating the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) has gained momentum in recent months. During an April 13 hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East...
Learn more »November 02, 2015
Representative Paul Ryan: Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Roxanne Perugino
Learn more »How Congress Works
How the Electoral College Works
The Electoral College has served as a vehicle for American democracy since the country’s birth over two centuries ago. Yet, not many people (including Americans) understand how the Electoral College works. Below is a quick...
Learn more »Glossary of Legislative Terms
Act – A bill passed in identical Form by both houses of Congress and signed into law by the President or enacted over his veto. Also called a Public Law. Amendment – A proposal by...
Learn more »Understanding The US Legislative Process
Forms of Congressional Action Under the US Constitution, Congress initiates legislation. Legislation passed by Congress must be signed by the President to become law. Congressional action is usually undertaken in one of four major forms:...
Learn more »Foreign Assistance Legislation: The Authorization and Appropriation Process
Authorization versus Appropriations Legislation Theory: In theory, Congress should follow a two-step legislative process (authorization and appropriation) that produces two separate laws governing foreign assistance. Foreign assistance authorization legislation – usually referred to as the...
Learn more »The Foreign Policy Powers of Congress
The US Constitution contains ambiguities regarding the roles of Congress and the President in making foreign policy. In practice, strong Presidents and legislators have often asserted their prerogatives in this area at the expense of...
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