MIDDLE EAST FORUM

EDU · Education

Influence Act, an unfiled bill which seeks to prohibit federal student aid to students who travel abroad and participate in foreign propaganda on behalf of countries of concern. Urged Senate office to push the Department of Education to initiate Title VI of the Higher Education Act; monitor foreign travel among professors and senior researchers; urge universities to conduct investigations of professors with known ties to foreign adversaries. S.1136 - the DETERRENT Act, a bill to improve monitoring and transparency around foreign influence in higher education.

Literal federal measure citations: S.1136

FOR · Foreign Relations

HR 3307 -Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act- supporting 3+1 framework. Promoted new legislation to levy sanctions on countries that host Hamas political leadership. HR 4427 - Syria Sanctions Accountability Act, support efforts to keep Caesar Act sanctions in place. NDAA 2026 - Supported section to reduce funding to Iraqi military if it continued supported Iran-backed militias; supported more funding for US-Israel partnerships in emerging technologies; opposed efforts to repeal Caesar Act sanctions. Provided research and opposed nomination of US Ambassador to Kuwait. Advocated for designations of Muslim Brotherhood factions in several countries. Iran nuclear nonproliferation and hostile influence education.

Literal federal measure citations: HR 3307, HR 4427

BUD · Budget/Appropriations

Identified Department of Health and Human Services grants to extremist organizations, including nonprofits with links to Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Shared with HHS officials, advocated for recissions and debarments. Worked with Congress to advocate for debarments. Consulted with State Department on debarment of terror-linked organization.

IMM · Immigration

Advocated for improved vetting of Afghan immigrants.