8 stories credited to Matzav.com
Latest story Sep 16, 2026 · on ChamberLight since Apr 2026
A story can appear as several articles (copies of the same piece), so counts of stories and of articles differ.
Scores for Matzav.com
Writing quality not enough rated stories yet: 4 of 10. How it is measured
Scores last checked Sep 25, 2026.
Stories ChamberLight collected, by month
Stories credited to Matzav.com, by publication date. ChamberLight collects articles that mention the officials it tracks, so this shows its own coverage of this source, not how much the source publishes.
- Stories from Matzav.com
- Shaded: ChamberLight collected no stories, or almost none, from any outlet (a gap in its collection, not in the outlet’s publishing)
Show as a table
| Month | Stories | All outlets |
|---|---|---|
| March 2026 | 1 | 365 |
| April 2026 | 6 | 4,538 |
| May 2026 | 0 | none collected |
| June 2026 | 0 | none collected |
| July 2026 | 0 | none collected |
| August 2026 | 0 | 1 (collection gap) |
| September 2026 | 1 | 1,320 |
Top topics
Share of this source’s stories tagged with each topic. A story can carry several topics, so the shares do not add up to 100%.
- Ethics/Corruption7
88% of 8 stories · 58% across all outlets
- Foreign Policy5
63% of 8 stories · 29% across all outlets
- Defense/Military4
50% of 8 stories · 25% across all outlets
- Immigration2
25% of 8 stories · 13% across all outlets
- Voting Rights2
25% of 8 stories · 19% across all outlets
- Budget/Spending1
13% of 8 stories · 31% across all outlets
- Criminal Justice1
13% of 8 stories · 19% across all outlets
- Economy1
13% of 8 stories · 26% across all outlets
The thin mark on each bar is the topic’s share across all outlets.
Who they cover
Party of the officials these stories are mainly about, across all 13 officials named. A story counts once for each official it is mainly about, so the split is over 15 story–official pairs, from 8 stories.
- Democrat53% · 8 pairs
- Republican33% · 5 pairs
- Independent7% · 1 pair
- Party not recorded7% · 1 pair
Most covered
Stories mainly about each official, and their share of the source’s 8 stories.
- 1Donald TrumpR2 stories · 25%
- 2John FettermanD2 stories · 25%
- 3Adam SchiffD1 story · 13%
- 4Al GreenD1 story · 13%
- 5Alex PadillaD1 story · 13%
- 6Bernard SandersI1 story · 13%
- 7Christopher A. Coons–1 story · 13%
- 8Christopher SmithR1 story · 13%
- 9Kamala HarrisD1 story · 13%
- 10Lindsey GrahamR1 story · 13%
+ 3 other officials (3 story–official pairs)
Article tone
ChamberLight’s article analysis assigns each story a tone toward the official it covers. It describes the coverage of that official, not Matzav.com’s stance, and reader votes do not change it. 8 stories.
- Good Look
- 0 (0%)
- Mixed
- 8 (100%)
- Informational
- 0 (0%)
- Bad Look
- 0 (0%)
Challenges to these scores
No one has challenged a score on this page yet. Anyone can; editors publish every outcome here.
Articles served from matzav.com
15House Kills Al Green Resolution to Impeach Trump, 147 Democrats Vote to Keep It Alive
The House on Tuesday rejected Democratic Rep. Al Green's latest effort to impeach President Donald Trump, voting 232-147 to approve a Republican motion that tabled the resolution. Another 47 lawmakers voted present, including members of House Democratic leadership. Green's resolution sought Trump's
Kamala Harris Tops Newsom by One Point in New 2028 Democrat Primary Poll
Kamala Harris is holding a narrow lead in a new poll of potential 2028 Democratic presidential contenders, even as a widely shared video clip of her remarks this week fueled fresh discussion about her political messaging and public persona. According to a survey conducted by Echelon Insights between April 17 and April 20, Harris tops the field among 467 likely Democratic primary voters with 22 percent support. Close behind is California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who registered 21 percent, while former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg came in third with 12 percent. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez followed with 10 percent support. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro received five percent, while Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey drew four percent backing in the poll. Further down the list, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly each received three percent. Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer each earned two percent. Several other figures—including Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, and Rep. Ro Khanna of California—each recorded one percent support. At the bottom of the survey, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel did not register any support. The latest poll shows modest changes compared to Echelon’s previous survey, with Harris gaining one point, Newsom rising by two points, Buttigieg increasing by three points, and Ocasio-Cortez slipping by one point. Separately, attention has centered on a video clip of Harris that spread rapidly on X, in which she appeared to shift her speaking style while addressing a group of black women. In the video, Harris told the audience, “I think it’s okay for us to be a bit transactional too, and to say, ‘Imma get mine also.’ And so don’t count on me to be a voter and be the backbone of the Democratic Party, because it is my value system and my ethics and my sense of civic duty and responsibility, so that you look at me and say, ‘Oh, they’re gonna vote.’” Social media users contrasted those remarks with a well-known line from President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” Earlier this month, during an April 10 appearance at Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network convention in New York, Harris indicated she “might” enter the 2028 presidential race. According to Politico, the crowd responded with repeated chants of, “Run again! Run again!” As speculation about a potential Harris campaign continues, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was asked Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press whether he would support her candidacy. He replied, “I have to be honest, I haven’t thought about the candidacies for president this time. My focus is 2026,” before adding that he has no intention of running for president himself. Harris also drew attention last week after releasing a video from Charlotte, North Carolina, in which she argued that Americans are paying $15 more per fill-up at the pump since the start of what she described as Trump’s “war of choice,” and accused President Donald Trump of prioritizing his own “political interest” over the needs of working Americans. That message revived scrutiny of Harris’s tenure as vice president under President Joe Biden, when national average gas prices reached record highs in June 2022, hitting $5.016 per gallon for regular gasoline and $5.816 for diesel. {Matzav.com}
Fetterman Says Democratic Party Faces “Serious Problem” With Antisemitism
Sen. John Fetterman said the Democratic Party is grappling with a significant issue related to antisemitism, pointing to a series of recent controversies and public figures as evidence during a televised interview. Speaking with CNN’s Kasie Hunt, the Pennsylvania Democrat did not hold back in his criticism of his own party, citing the case of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner as a troubling example. “I mean, the guy that’s gonna win the primary in Maine has a Nazi tattoo on his chest. And that’s no problem for a lot of voters. That’s crazy,” Fetterman said. Platner has said the tattoo dates back to 2007, when he was in his 20s serving in the Marine Corps and had it done while in Croatia. He later covered it with another tattoo and claimed he did not understand its meaning at the time. Fetterman, however, pointed to reports challenging that explanation. https://twitter.com/i/status/2045253290896589044 “And now we know he knew what that was,” Fetterman said, referencing accounts that Platner had previously described the tattoo as his “Totenkopf.” Fetterman, who has become one of the more outspoken pro-Israel voices among Democrats, also raised concerns about the party’s association with online commentator Hasan Piker. “He absolutely is proud to cheer for Hamas, loves Hamas. Democrats are proud to stand with him and campaign with him,” Fetterman said. The senator further cited past remarks attributed to Piker, including statements that “America deserved 9/11,” that Hamas is a “1,000 times better” than Israel, and “It doesn’t matter if rapes happened on October 7th.” “We have a serious problem with my party. So if I have to be the last man standing in the Democratic Party, I’m proud to stand with Israel,” Fetterman said. His comments come shortly after a Senate vote in which all but seven Democratic senators supported two resolutions introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders aimed at blocking a U.S. arms sale to Israel. The interview also aired the same day that Kamala Harris, who is weighing a potential presidential run in 2028, criticized Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and accused him of drawing President Donald Trump into the conflict with Iran. Additional controversy surfaced ahead of the broadcast when Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed said in a separate CNN appearance that he sees no distinction between Israel’s government and Hamas, stating both are “evil.” When asked directly whether he considers Netanyahu a “war criminal,” El-Sayed responded, “Absolutely. When you conduct a genocide, you’re a war criminal.” Fetterman has taken visible steps to demonstrate his support for Israel since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. He displayed posters of Israeli hostages in his Senate office and kept them up until all were accounted for. During protests outside his office accusing Israel of genocide, Fetterman responded by going to the roof of the building and waving an Israeli flag. {Matzav.com}
Graham Questions Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire, Warns Against Leaving Terror Groups Intact
Senator Lindsey Graham voiced reservations Thursday following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, cautioning that any agreement must address the long-term threat posed by the terror group. “Like everyone, I yearn for peace in the Middle East. But we have to be smart. Hezbollah and peace don’t fit in the same sentence,” Graham wrote on X. The South Carolina Republican argued that any truce must go beyond a temporary halt in fighting and include concrete steps to dismantle Hezbollah’s capabilities. “Any ceasefire in Lebanon must include a credible path to disarm Hezbollah – one of the largest terrorist organizations in the world, aligned with Iran that is dripping with American blood. If, at the end of the day, the severely degraded Iranian regime survives and receives sanctions relief, and Hezbollah is still left standing in Lebanon, it will only be a matter of time until both groups regenerate.” He warned against agreements that could allow hostile actors to regain strength, stressing that recent gains should not be squandered. “No ceasefires or peace deals that create pathways that allow the reemergence of terrorist states like Iran or terrorist organizations like Hezbollah. We’ve accomplished too much to allow this to be the end state.” Despite his concerns, Graham expressed confidence in the administration’s leadership, concluding, “I trust President Trump and his team, not only to find peace, but make it real and sustainable.” {Matzav.com}
Graham Questions Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire, Warns Against Leaving Terror Groups Intact
Senator Lindsey Graham voiced reservations Thursday following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, cautioning that any agreement must address the long-term threat posed by the terror group. “Like everyone, I yearn for peace in the Middle East. But we have to be smart. Hezbollah and peace don’t fit in the same sentence,” Graham wrote on X. The South Carolina Republican argued that any truce must go beyond a temporary halt in fighting and include concrete steps to dismantle Hezbollah’s capabilities. “Any ceasefire in Lebanon must include a credible path to disarm Hezbollah – one of the largest terrorist organizations in the world, aligned with Iran that is dripping with American blood. If, at the end of the day, the severely degraded Iranian regime survives and receives sanctions relief, and Hezbollah is still left standing in Lebanon, it will only be a matter of time until both groups regenerate.” He warned against agreements that could allow hostile actors to regain strength, stressing that recent gains should not be squandered. “No ceasefires or peace deals that create pathways that allow the reemergence of terrorist states like Iran or terrorist organizations like Hezbollah. We’ve accomplished too much to allow this to be the end state.” Despite his concerns, Graham expressed confidence in the administration’s leadership, concluding, “I trust President Trump and his team, not only to find peace, but make it real and sustainable.” {Matzav.com}
Fetterman: Iran Strikes Not a Failure
Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voiced strong support Wednesday for U.S. and Israeli military actions targeting Iran and its proxy groups, pushing back against fellow Democrats who have criticized the effort as unsuccessful. During an appearance on Newsmax’s “The Record With Greta Van Susteren,” Fetterman acknowledged that many within his party disagree with the approach but made clear he supports what he described as central aspects of the operation, known as Operation Epic Fury. “There are many Democrats that do think that it was a failure,” Fetterman said. “But I am the only Democrat that’s supported Epic Fury.” He also pointed to his vote against a War Powers Act resolution intended to curb U.S. involvement in the conflict, noting that he was the sole Democrat to oppose it. Fetterman sharply criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, saying the New York Democrat’s assessment of the situation was “categorically not true.” The senator argued that the campaign has inflicted serious damage on Iran’s military strength, citing strikes that have targeted leadership figures and facilities tied to missile programs and nuclear development. “Just eliminating leadership — incredible,” Fetterman said. “Destroying the Iranian military capabilities and making it more and more difficult, if not impossible, to build a nuclear bomb.” He further stressed the wider regional consequences, pointing to Israel’s actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon and arguing that Iran has been weakened both militarily and politically, limiting its ability to support allied groups. “It’s humiliating for Iran,” he said, adding that Tehran has been “begging for a ceasefire” while Hezbollah has been largely confined to attacks on civilians that Israel has mostly intercepted. Fetterman suggested that opposition from other Democrats may be influenced by partisan considerations, particularly because of President Donald Trump’s role in the operation. “To call that a failure, I don’t understand — unless because Trump’s been behind it,” he said. He also defended U.S. efforts to assert control over key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as an important show of strength and deterrence. “It was an incredible way to remind Iran and the world that we still run things,” Fetterman said. “We can control it … and hold them accountable.” He added that such moves could have broader international implications, potentially drawing in major global players like China due to their dependence on oil shipments passing through the region. {Matzav.com}
BERNIE FAIL: Senate Rejects Sanders’ Effort To Halt Arms Sales To Israel, But Most Democrats Vote To Block Them
A Senate effort led by Bernie Sanders to block U.S. arms sales to Israel failed on Wednesday. Sanders, an independent who aligns with Senate Democrats, has now brought forward four separate resolutions seeking to halt U.S. military aid to Israel. Each attempt has been rejected, with opposition from Republicans and a number of Democrats. Still, Wednesday’s vote reflected a shift. Forty senators supported a measure to stop a $295 million sale of bulldozers, while 36 backed a separate resolution to block the transfer of 12,000 1,000-pound bombs valued at $151.8 million. “That shift reflects where the American people are,” Sanders said in a statement late on Wednesday. “Americans, whether they are Democrats, Republicans or independents, want to see our tax money invested in improving lives here at home – not used to kill innocent women and children in the Middle East and put American troops in harm’s way as part of Netanyahu’s illegal wars of expansion. “What’s astonishing is that, despite overwhelming opposition across this country, Republicans continue to side with Netanyahu and Trump,” Sanders added. Support for such measures has steadily increased during the current Congress. In April, only 15 of the 47 Democratic-aligned senators backed similar proposals. That number rose to 27 in July, and climbed further in Wednesday’s vote. The trend reflects growing discomfort among Democratic voters over Israeli policy under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly regarding military operations in Gaza and southern Lebanon, as well as coordination with President Donald Trump during tensions involving Iran. “Being a stalwart friend of Israel, however, does not mean agreeing with all decisions of the Israeli Government or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, just like being a patriot of the United States does not require unquestioning agreement with the policy decisions of President Donald Trump and his administration,” California senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla said in a joint statement, after voting in favor of the resolutions. Both had previously opposed similar measures. Ahead of the vote, Sanders framed the resolutions as a challenge to the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), which has spent heavily on political campaigns in recent election cycles and continues to invest in upcoming races. “Let us be clear: given the horrific and illegal behavior of the Netanyahu government over the last three years, the American people have had enough. Support for Israel in this country has plummeted,” he said, citing a Pew Research Center survey released this month finding that 80% of Democrats and 41% of Republicans view the country negatively. “Maybe, just maybe, the Senate should start listening to their constituents and not just to the wealthy individuals who fund Aipac,” he continued. “And that is what today’s vote is all about.” In the House of Representatives, some progressive lawmakers have gone further, calling for a complete halt to U.S. military aid to Israel, including funding for defensive systems such as Iron Dome. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez earlier this month said she would “not support Congress sending more taxpayer dollars and military aid to a government that consistently ignores international law and US law”. Representative Ro Khanna expressed a similar position in an interview with Zeteo, saying: “I do believe Iron Dome is important in terms of saving lives. Israel can buy it with their own money.” Advocacy groups critical of Israeli policies have also intensified pressure on Democratic lawmakers. Earlier this week, dozens of protesters were arrested outside the New York City offices of Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, urging them to support Sanders’s resolutions. Despite the demonstrations, both Gillibrand and Schumer voted against the measures, consistent with their prior positions. Separately, a coalition of progressive organizations—including Indivisible, MoveOn, J Street, and Jewish Voice for Peace—sent a letter urging senators to back the effort to halt weapons transfers, describing it as “an opportunity send a clear message that senators oppose any continuation of the war with Iran.” The groups raised concerns about the weapons involved, saying the 1,000-pound bombs present “urgent legal and moral concerns” and have been used “in densely populated areas in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, with significant documented civilian casualties”. They also argued that the bulldozers “have been widely used in operations involving large-scale demolition of homes, civilian infrastructure, and entire neighborhoods in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, contributing to forced displacement and de facto annexation”. In a separate but related development, Senate Democrats forced a vote on a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump’s ability to continue military action against Iran. That measure also failed after being voted down by Republicans, though Democrats have increasingly used such votes to pressure the administration amid public opposition to the conflict. Following his vote against Sanders’s proposals, Senator Chris Coons of Delaware explained that while he supported efforts “to end president Trump’s war of choice with Iran”, he could not “abandon our steadfast ally, Israel, and the Americans who live within its borders”. “My votes should be taken neither as an endorsement of the actions of the Netanyahu government nor as an abandonment of the state of Israel, the Jewish people, or the US-Israel relationship,” he said.
BERNIE FAIL: Senate Rejects Sanders’ Effort To Halt Arms Sales To Israel, But Most Democrats Vote To Block Them
A Senate effort led by Bernie Sanders to block U.S. arms sales to Israel failed on Wednesday. Sanders, an independent who aligns with Senate Democrats, has now brought forward four separate resolutions seeking to halt U.S. military aid to Israel. Each attempt has been rejected, with opposition from Republicans and a number of Democrats. Still, Wednesday’s vote reflected a shift. Forty senators supported a measure to stop a $295 million sale of bulldozers, while 36 backed a separate resolution to block the transfer of 12,000 1,000-pound bombs valued at $151.8 million. “That shift reflects where the American people are,” Sanders said in a statement late on Wednesday. “Americans, whether they are Democrats, Republicans or independents, want to see our tax money invested in improving lives here at home – not used to kill innocent women and children in the Middle East and put American troops in harm’s way as part of Netanyahu’s illegal wars of expansion. “What’s astonishing is that, despite overwhelming opposition across this country, Republicans continue to side with Netanyahu and Trump,” Sanders added. Support for such measures has steadily increased during the current Congress. In April, only 15 of the 47 Democratic-aligned senators backed similar proposals. That number rose to 27 in July, and climbed further in Wednesday’s vote. The trend reflects growing discomfort among Democratic voters over Israeli policy under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly regarding military operations in Gaza and southern Lebanon, as well as coordination with President Donald Trump during tensions involving Iran. “Being a stalwart friend of Israel, however, does not mean agreeing with all decisions of the Israeli Government or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, just like being a patriot of the United States does not require unquestioning agreement with the policy decisions of President Donald Trump and his administration,” California senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla said in a joint statement, after voting in favor of the resolutions. Both had previously opposed similar measures. Ahead of the vote, Sanders framed the resolutions as a challenge to the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), which has spent heavily on political campaigns in recent election cycles and continues to invest in upcoming races. “Let us be clear: given the horrific and illegal behavior of the Netanyahu government over the last three years, the American people have had enough. Support for Israel in this country has plummeted,” he said, citing a Pew Research Center survey released this month finding that 80% of Democrats and 41% of Republicans view the country negatively. “Maybe, just maybe, the Senate should start listening to their constituents and not just to the wealthy individuals who fund Aipac,” he continued. “And that is what today’s vote is all about.” In the House of Representatives, some progressive lawmakers have gone further, calling for a complete halt to U.S. military aid to Israel, including funding for defensive systems such as Iron Dome. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez earlier this month said she would “not support Congress sending more taxpayer dollars and military aid to a government that consistently ignores international law and US law”. Representative Ro Khanna expressed a similar position in an interview with Zeteo, saying: “I do believe Iron Dome is important in terms of saving lives. Israel can buy it with their own money.” Advocacy groups critical of Israeli policies have also intensified pressure on Democratic lawmakers. Earlier this week, dozens of protesters were arrested outside the New York City offices of Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, urging them to support Sanders’s resolutions. Despite the demonstrations, both Gillibrand and Schumer voted against the measures, consistent with their prior positions. Separately, a coalition of progressive organizations—including Indivisible, MoveOn, J Street, and Jewish Voice for Peace—sent a letter urging senators to back the effort to halt weapons transfers, describing it as “an opportunity send a clear message that senators oppose any continuation of the war with Iran.” The groups raised concerns about the weapons involved, saying the 1,000-pound bombs present “urgent legal and moral concerns” and have been used “in densely populated areas in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, with significant documented civilian casualties”. They also argued that the bulldozers “have been widely used in operations involving large-scale demolition of homes, civilian infrastructure, and entire neighborhoods in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, contributing to forced displacement and de facto annexation”. In a separate but related development, Senate Democrats forced a vote on a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump’s ability to continue military action against Iran. That measure also failed after being voted down by Republicans, though Democrats have increasingly used such votes to pressure the administration amid public opposition to the conflict. Following his vote against Sanders’s proposals, Senator Chris Coons of Delaware explained that while he supported efforts “to end president Trump’s war of choice with Iran”, he could not “abandon our steadfast ally, Israel, and the Americans who live within its borders”. “My votes should be taken neither as an endorsement of the actions of the Netanyahu government nor as an abandonment of the state of Israel, the Jewish people, or the US-Israel relationship,” he said.
BERNIE FAIL: Senate Rejects Sanders’ Effort To Halt Arms Sales To Israel, But Most Democrats Vote To Block Them
A Senate effort led by Bernie Sanders to block U.S. arms sales to Israel failed on Wednesday. Sanders, an independent who aligns with Senate Democrats, has now brought forward four separate resolutions seeking to halt U.S. military aid to Israel. Each attempt has been rejected, with opposition from Republicans and a number of Democrats. Still, Wednesday’s vote reflected a shift. Forty senators supported a measure to stop a $295 million sale of bulldozers, while 36 backed a separate resolution to block the transfer of 12,000 1,000-pound bombs valued at $151.8 million. “That shift reflects where the American people are,” Sanders said in a statement late on Wednesday. “Americans, whether they are Democrats, Republicans or independents, want to see our tax money invested in improving lives here at home – not used to kill innocent women and children in the Middle East and put American troops in harm’s way as part of Netanyahu’s illegal wars of expansion. “What’s astonishing is that, despite overwhelming opposition across this country, Republicans continue to side with Netanyahu and Trump,” Sanders added. Support for such measures has steadily increased during the current Congress. In April, only 15 of the 47 Democratic-aligned senators backed similar proposals. That number rose to 27 in July, and climbed further in Wednesday’s vote. The trend reflects growing discomfort among Democratic voters over Israeli policy under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly regarding military operations in Gaza and southern Lebanon, as well as coordination with President Donald Trump during tensions involving Iran. “Being a stalwart friend of Israel, however, does not mean agreeing with all decisions of the Israeli Government or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, just like being a patriot of the United States does not require unquestioning agreement with the policy decisions of President Donald Trump and his administration,” California senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla said in a joint statement, after voting in favor of the resolutions. Both had previously opposed similar measures. Ahead of the vote, Sanders framed the resolutions as a challenge to the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), which has spent heavily on political campaigns in recent election cycles and continues to invest in upcoming races. “Let us be clear: given the horrific and illegal behavior of the Netanyahu government over the last three years, the American people have had enough. Support for Israel in this country has plummeted,” he said, citing a Pew Research Center survey released this month finding that 80% of Democrats and 41% of Republicans view the country negatively. “Maybe, just maybe, the Senate should start listening to their constituents and not just to the wealthy individuals who fund Aipac,” he continued. “And that is what today’s vote is all about.” In the House of Representatives, some progressive lawmakers have gone further, calling for a complete halt to U.S. military aid to Israel, including funding for defensive systems such as Iron Dome. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez earlier this month said she would “not support Congress sending more taxpayer dollars and military aid to a government that consistently ignores international law and US law”. Representative Ro Khanna expressed a similar position in an interview with Zeteo, saying: “I do believe Iron Dome is important in terms of saving lives. Israel can buy it with their own money.” Advocacy groups critical of Israeli policies have also intensified pressure on Democratic lawmakers. Earlier this week, dozens of protesters were arrested outside the New York City offices of Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, urging them to support Sanders’s resolutions. Despite the demonstrations, both Gillibrand and Schumer voted against the measures, consistent with their prior positions. Separately, a coalition of progressive organizations—including Indivisible, MoveOn, J Street, and Jewish Voice for Peace—sent a letter urging senators to back the effort to halt weapons transfers, describing it as “an opportunity send a clear message that senators oppose any continuation of the war with Iran.” The groups raised concerns about the weapons involved, saying the 1,000-pound bombs present “urgent legal and moral concerns” and have been used “in densely populated areas in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, with significant documented civilian casualties”. They also argued that the bulldozers “have been widely used in operations involving large-scale demolition of homes, civilian infrastructure, and entire neighborhoods in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, contributing to forced displacement and de facto annexation”. In a separate but related development, Senate Democrats forced a vote on a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump’s ability to continue military action against Iran. That measure also failed after being voted down by Republicans, though Democrats have increasingly used such votes to pressure the administration amid public opposition to the conflict. Following his vote against Sanders’s proposals, Senator Chris Coons of Delaware explained that while he supported efforts “to end president Trump’s war of choice with Iran”, he could not “abandon our steadfast ally, Israel, and the Americans who live within its borders”. “My votes should be taken neither as an endorsement of the actions of the Netanyahu government nor as an abandonment of the state of Israel, the Jewish people, or the US-Israel relationship,” he said.
BERNIE FAIL: Senate Rejects Sanders’ Effort To Halt Arms Sales To Israel, But Most Democrats Vote To Block Them
A Senate effort led by Bernie Sanders to block U.S. arms sales to Israel failed on Wednesday. Sanders, an independent who aligns with Senate Democrats, has now brought forward four separate resolutions seeking to halt U.S. military aid to Israel. Each attempt has been rejected, with opposition from Republicans and a number of Democrats. Still, Wednesday’s vote reflected a shift. Forty senators supported a measure to stop a $295 million sale of bulldozers, while 36 backed a separate resolution to block the transfer of 12,000 1,000-pound bombs valued at $151.8 million. “That shift reflects where the American people are,” Sanders said in a statement late on Wednesday. “Americans, whether they are Democrats, Republicans or independents, want to see our tax money invested in improving lives here at home – not used to kill innocent women and children in the Middle East and put American troops in harm’s way as part of Netanyahu’s illegal wars of expansion. “What’s astonishing is that, despite overwhelming opposition across this country, Republicans continue to side with Netanyahu and Trump,” Sanders added. Support for such measures has steadily increased during the current Congress. In April, only 15 of the 47 Democratic-aligned senators backed similar proposals. That number rose to 27 in July, and climbed further in Wednesday’s vote. The trend reflects growing discomfort among Democratic voters over Israeli policy under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly regarding military operations in Gaza and southern Lebanon, as well as coordination with President Donald Trump during tensions involving Iran. “Being a stalwart friend of Israel, however, does not mean agreeing with all decisions of the Israeli Government or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, just like being a patriot of the United States does not require unquestioning agreement with the policy decisions of President Donald Trump and his administration,” California senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla said in a joint statement, after voting in favor of the resolutions. Both had previously opposed similar measures. Ahead of the vote, Sanders framed the resolutions as a challenge to the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), which has spent heavily on political campaigns in recent election cycles and continues to invest in upcoming races. “Let us be clear: given the horrific and illegal behavior of the Netanyahu government over the last three years, the American people have had enough. Support for Israel in this country has plummeted,” he said, citing a Pew Research Center survey released this month finding that 80% of Democrats and 41% of Republicans view the country negatively. “Maybe, just maybe, the Senate should start listening to their constituents and not just to the wealthy individuals who fund Aipac,” he continued. “And that is what today’s vote is all about.” In the House of Representatives, some progressive lawmakers have gone further, calling for a complete halt to U.S. military aid to Israel, including funding for defensive systems such as Iron Dome. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez earlier this month said she would “not support Congress sending more taxpayer dollars and military aid to a government that consistently ignores international law and US law”. Representative Ro Khanna expressed a similar position in an interview with Zeteo, saying: “I do believe Iron Dome is important in terms of saving lives. Israel can buy it with their own money.” Advocacy groups critical of Israeli policies have also intensified pressure on Democratic lawmakers. Earlier this week, dozens of protesters were arrested outside the New York City offices of Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, urging them to support Sanders’s resolutions. Despite the demonstrations, both Gillibrand and Schumer voted against the measures, consistent with their prior positions. Separately, a coalition of progressive organizations—including Indivisible, MoveOn, J Street, and Jewish Voice for Peace—sent a letter urging senators to back the effort to halt weapons transfers, describing it as “an opportunity send a clear message that senators oppose any continuation of the war with Iran.” The groups raised concerns about the weapons involved, saying the 1,000-pound bombs present “urgent legal and moral concerns” and have been used “in densely populated areas in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, with significant documented civilian casualties”. They also argued that the bulldozers “have been widely used in operations involving large-scale demolition of homes, civilian infrastructure, and entire neighborhoods in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, contributing to forced displacement and de facto annexation”. In a separate but related development, Senate Democrats forced a vote on a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump’s ability to continue military action against Iran. That measure also failed after being voted down by Republicans, though Democrats have increasingly used such votes to pressure the administration amid public opposition to the conflict. Following his vote against Sanders’s proposals, Senator Chris Coons of Delaware explained that while he supported efforts “to end president Trump’s war of choice with Iran”, he could not “abandon our steadfast ally, Israel, and the Americans who live within its borders”. “My votes should be taken neither as an endorsement of the actions of the Netanyahu government nor as an abandonment of the state of Israel, the Jewish people, or the US-Israel relationship,” he said.
Republicans Block Bid to Rein In Trump Iran War Powers
House Republicans on Thursday stopped Democrats from advancing a measure aimed at ending U.S. military operations against Iran, continuing to resist efforts to place limits on President Donald Trump’s war powers. Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey presided over a brief “pro forma” session and adjourned it before Democrats were able to attempt passage of the resolution through unanimous consent. In recent months, Democrats in both chambers of Congress have repeatedly tried—and failed—to pass war powers resolutions that would require Trump to obtain legislative approval before initiating military action, including in situations involving Venezuela and Iran. Concern among Democrats intensified after Trump warned earlier in the week that “a whole civilization will die,” prompting dozens of lawmakers to call for his removal from office. The 1949 Geneva Conventions on humanitarian conduct in war prohibit attacks on sites considered essential for civilians. “Threatening genocide is not a negotiating tactic,” Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., said at a press conference outside the Capitol following the pro forma session, which was held while Congress is out of Washington during a two-week Easter recess. Trump announced Tuesday that he had agreed to a ceasefire in the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, doing so less than two hours before a deadline he had set for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe strikes on its civilian infrastructure. The White House has defended Trump’s actions, saying they are lawful and fall within his authority as commander-in-chief to order limited military operations to protect the United States. Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful. The Trump administration has described the conflict as a decisive success, even as the top U.S. military officer said American forces remain ready to resume fighting if needed. Republicans, who hold narrow majorities in both the House and Senate, have largely united behind Trump and backed his policies. While the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war, that requirement does not apply to short-term military actions or situations involving an immediate threat to the country.
Republicans Block Bid to Rein In Trump Iran War Powers
House Republicans on Thursday stopped Democrats from advancing a measure aimed at ending U.S. military operations against Iran, continuing to resist efforts to place limits on President Donald Trump’s war powers. Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey presided over a brief “pro forma” session and adjourned it before Democrats were able to attempt passage of the resolution through unanimous consent. In recent months, Democrats in both chambers of Congress have repeatedly tried—and failed—to pass war powers resolutions that would require Trump to obtain legislative approval before initiating military action, including in situations involving Venezuela and Iran. Concern among Democrats intensified after Trump warned earlier in the week that “a whole civilization will die,” prompting dozens of lawmakers to call for his removal from office. The 1949 Geneva Conventions on humanitarian conduct in war prohibit attacks on sites considered essential for civilians. “Threatening genocide is not a negotiating tactic,” Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., said at a press conference outside the Capitol following the pro forma session, which was held while Congress is out of Washington during a two-week Easter recess. Trump announced Tuesday that he had agreed to a ceasefire in the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, doing so less than two hours before a deadline he had set for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe strikes on its civilian infrastructure. The White House has defended Trump’s actions, saying they are lawful and fall within his authority as commander-in-chief to order limited military operations to protect the United States. Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful. The Trump administration has described the conflict as a decisive success, even as the top U.S. military officer said American forces remain ready to resume fighting if needed. Republicans, who hold narrow majorities in both the House and Senate, have largely united behind Trump and backed his policies. While the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war, that requirement does not apply to short-term military actions or situations involving an immediate threat to the country.
Republicans Block Bid to Rein In Trump Iran War Powers
House Republicans on Thursday stopped Democrats from advancing a measure aimed at ending U.S. military operations against Iran, continuing to resist efforts to place limits on President Donald Trump’s war powers. Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey presided over a brief “pro forma” session and adjourned it before Democrats were able to attempt passage of the resolution through unanimous consent. In recent months, Democrats in both chambers of Congress have repeatedly tried—and failed—to pass war powers resolutions that would require Trump to obtain legislative approval before initiating military action, including in situations involving Venezuela and Iran. Concern among Democrats intensified after Trump warned earlier in the week that “a whole civilization will die,” prompting dozens of lawmakers to call for his removal from office. The 1949 Geneva Conventions on humanitarian conduct in war prohibit attacks on sites considered essential for civilians. “Threatening genocide is not a negotiating tactic,” Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., said at a press conference outside the Capitol following the pro forma session, which was held while Congress is out of Washington during a two-week Easter recess. Trump announced Tuesday that he had agreed to a ceasefire in the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, doing so less than two hours before a deadline he had set for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe strikes on its civilian infrastructure. The White House has defended Trump’s actions, saying they are lawful and fall within his authority as commander-in-chief to order limited military operations to protect the United States. Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful. The Trump administration has described the conflict as a decisive success, even as the top U.S. military officer said American forces remain ready to resume fighting if needed. Republicans, who hold narrow majorities in both the House and Senate, have largely united behind Trump and backed his policies. While the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war, that requirement does not apply to short-term military actions or situations involving an immediate threat to the country.
Democrat NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill Signs Law Banning ICE Agents from Wearing Masks, DHS Vows Not to Comply
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has signed legislation prohibiting law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from wearing face coverings during certain interactions, setting off sharp criticism from federal authorities who warn the measure could expose officers to harassment and danger. The new law, encompassing SCS for S3114 and 3216/A1743, mandates that officers display their faces during specific public encounters and provide adequate identification before making an arrest or detention, according to a March 25 announcement. Explaining her decision, Sherrill said the legislation reinforces legal accountability within the state. “These bills underscore that here in New Jersey, we still follow the Constitution and uphold the rule of law.” She added that her administration’s priority remains public safety, while also criticizing federal immigration enforcement practices under President Donald Trump. “My focus as governor remains on keeping the public safe,” she said. Referring specifically to ICE personnel, Sherrill argued that their conduct poses risks. “As we’ve seen across the country, Donald Trump’s untrained, unaccountable, masked ICE agents are putting people in danger,” she said. “That’s why in New Jersey, we are protecting our communities — strengthening our protections, banning ICE agents from wearing masks, and protecting residents’ privacy from federal overreach,” Sherrill added. The issue has also become a point of contention in the ongoing partial government shutdown, with Democrats pushing for changes to ICE practices, including restrictions on mask usage. Republican lawmakers have pushed back strongly. “Senate Democrats want to ban ICE officers from wearing masks so their left-wing street militias can dox the officers and terrorize the officers’ wives and children at their homes,” Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) said on Wednesday, offering further perspective on day 40 of the Senate battle over funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). By Thursday, the shutdown had entered its 41st day. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson criticized the New Jersey measure in comments to NBC10, warning of risks to officers. “Sanctuary politicians attempting to ban our federal law enforcement from wearing masks is despicable and a flagrant attempt to endanger our officers.” The agency also indicated it does not intend to comply with the law, arguing it conflicts with federal authority. “The Supremacy Clause makes it clear that New Jersey’s sanctuary politicians do not control federal law enforcement,” the spokesperson continued, describing the law as “irresponsible, reckless, and dangerous.” Officials stressed that face coverings serve a protective function for agents, citing a rise in threats and violence. The spokesperson pointed to “a more than 1,300 percent increase in assaults, 3,300 percent increase in vehicular attacks, and an 8,000 percent increase in death threats against them.” “ICE officers wear face coverings for one reason: to protect themselves and their families from real-world threats, including agitators,” DHS said. “The danger is not hypothetical.” {Matzav.com}
Democrat NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill Signs Law Banning ICE Agents from Wearing Masks, DHS Vows Not to Comply
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has signed legislation prohibiting law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from wearing face coverings during certain interactions, setting off sharp criticism from federal authorities who warn the measure could expose officers to harassment and danger. The new law, encompassing SCS for S3114 and 3216/A1743, mandates that officers display their faces during specific public encounters and provide adequate identification before making an arrest or detention, according to a March 25 announcement. Explaining her decision, Sherrill said the legislation reinforces legal accountability within the state. “These bills underscore that here in New Jersey, we still follow the Constitution and uphold the rule of law.” She added that her administration’s priority remains public safety, while also criticizing federal immigration enforcement practices under President Donald Trump. “My focus as governor remains on keeping the public safe,” she said. Referring specifically to ICE personnel, Sherrill argued that their conduct poses risks. “As we’ve seen across the country, Donald Trump’s untrained, unaccountable, masked ICE agents are putting people in danger,” she said. “That’s why in New Jersey, we are protecting our communities — strengthening our protections, banning ICE agents from wearing masks, and protecting residents’ privacy from federal overreach,” Sherrill added. The issue has also become a point of contention in the ongoing partial government shutdown, with Democrats pushing for changes to ICE practices, including restrictions on mask usage. Republican lawmakers have pushed back strongly. “Senate Democrats want to ban ICE officers from wearing masks so their left-wing street militias can dox the officers and terrorize the officers’ wives and children at their homes,” Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) said on Wednesday, offering further perspective on day 40 of the Senate battle over funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). By Thursday, the shutdown had entered its 41st day. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson criticized the New Jersey measure in comments to NBC10, warning of risks to officers. “Sanctuary politicians attempting to ban our federal law enforcement from wearing masks is despicable and a flagrant attempt to endanger our officers.” The agency also indicated it does not intend to comply with the law, arguing it conflicts with federal authority. “The Supremacy Clause makes it clear that New Jersey’s sanctuary politicians do not control federal law enforcement,” the spokesperson continued, describing the law as “irresponsible, reckless, and dangerous.” Officials stressed that face coverings serve a protective function for agents, citing a rise in threats and violence. The spokesperson pointed to “a more than 1,300 percent increase in assaults, 3,300 percent increase in vehicular attacks, and an 8,000 percent increase in death threats against them.” “ICE officers wear face coverings for one reason: to protect themselves and their families from real-world threats, including agitators,” DHS said. “The danger is not hypothetical.” {Matzav.com}