MIDDLE EAST FORUM

EDU · Education

H.R. 1048/S. 1296: Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions Act or the DETERRENT Act. This legislation seeks to counter malign foreign influences in higher education by improving transparency and accountability of foreign gifts and contracts to colleges and universities. Georgetown report on Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Christian-Muslim Understanding (AMCU): This Middle East Forum study of AMCU's extremist faculty and ties to foreign governments was used to inform lawmakers about possible violations of Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 due to the use of nonprofits to skirt reporting requirements related to foreign gifts. The report also outlined vetting and transparency reforms needed to keep extremism out of higher education.

Literal federal measure citations: H.R. 1048, S. 1296

FOR · Foreign Relations

HR 3307 - Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, supporting the 3+1 partnership between the US, Greece, Cypress, and Israel. Advocating got the IMEC corridor through Israel and Greece. HR 2581- Iranian Terror Prevention Act; HR 2658 - Free Iraq from Iran Act; HR 2614 - Maximum Support Act: advocated for these bills by organizing grassroots outreach via constituent letters, drafting an opinion article, and meeting with Congressional staff. HR 1229/S. 554 - United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act: Supported bill to back greater sharing of technology between these countries. Launched letter-writing campaign. USAID reform: Educated policymakers regarding U.S. Agency for International Development funding of terror-linked charities. U.S.-Turkey arms deal: Educated policymakers regarding concerns with a potential sale of F-35 fighter aircraft to Turkey.

Literal federal measure citations: HR 3307, HR 2581, HR 2658, HR 2614, HR 1229, S. 554

HOM · Homeland Security

DHS Spending Report- Shared an internal report that showed DHS/FEMA spending through three grant programs that supported extremist groups. Programs included the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Countering Violent Extremism, and Disaster Relief grants. A total of $25 million went to radical U.S. nonprofits. Suggested vetting and appropriations reforms.

SCI · Science/Technology

Shared findings about partnership deals between a U.S. quantum computing firm, a foreign government, and a foreign company with ties to extremism. The U.S. company shared research with a foreign government lab that was run by Iranian and Chinese scientists, risking sensitive quantum technologies.

BUD · Budget/Appropriations

Called for recissions related to USAID spending that we previously identified as funding problematic, terror-linked groups.

DEF · Defense

Advocated for increased to Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund (CTEF) in annual National Defense Authorization Act.