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Israel and Iran Plan

Under the Biden administration’s failed Middle East policy, Iran, its terrorist proxies, and its adversarial partners became increasingly emboldened. Rather than confronting these threats, the Biden administration repeatedly directed its criticism toward Israel, one of America’s closest allies. On October 7, 2023, the world witnessed one of the most barbaric attacks ever committed against a U.S. ally, as thousands of Israelis, including American citizens, were murdered, kidnapped, raped, and brutalized.

As the mother of a Marine officer and a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I recognize the grave threat posed by Iran and its network of terrorist proxies. Fortunately, through National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 (NSPM-2), President Trump has restored the Maximum Pressure Campaign and returned the United States to a position of strength against the Iranian regime and its terrorism.

I am at the forefront of congressional efforts to hold the Islamic Republic of Iran accountable for oppressing its own people, sponsoring terrorism around the world, and expanding its nuclear program. Iran remains the greatest threat to peace in the Middle East as it relentlessly pursues a nuclear weapon and finances terrorism against Israel and the United States. These activities threaten not only the region, but the security of the entire world. The Iranian regime is directly responsible for the deaths of hundreds of U.S. servicemembers through its financing, arming, training, and intelligence sharing with terrorist proxies and partners such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). We must deny Iran the resources and capabilities it seeks to continue and expand these dangerous activities.

That is why I have consistently opposed War Powers Resolutions to prematurely end President Trump’s efforts to prevent a nuclear Iran. I stand firmly behind President Trump and the Department of War as they carry out Operation Epic Fury to dismantle the Iranian regime’s terrorist infrastructure, protect the American homeland, and prevent Iran from ever threatening the world with a nuclear weapon. Forcing the withdrawal of American forces in the middle of these critical operations would embolden our enemies, undermine our service members, and jeopardize the tremendous progress already made. We cannot give the Iranian mullahs impunity to target and kill Americans, close the Strait of Hormuz, and develop nuclear weapons. President Trump’s Peace through Strength is the only way in which we can neutralize the threat posed by the Iranian regime, and I continue to strongly support his efforts to keep America safe. 

I am also committed to standing with our ally Israel and ensuring the United States supports Israel as it advances American national security interests by dismantling Iran’s terrorist proxies and partners. This means providing Israel with the resources necessary to prevail, defending it against international campaigns intended to delegitimize it, and preserving its fundamental right to defend itself. I have also been a leading voice in Congress in support of Israel’s rightful historical claims to Judea and Samaria and in promoting religious freedom for all upon the Temple Mount.

Below is my comprehensive Israel and Iran Plan to advance the national security interests of the United States and strengthen our greatest ally in the region. This plan confronts the Iranian mullahs’ brutal regime of terrorism and oppression while ensuring that America continues to stand firmly with Israel.

Standing with Israel, Our Greatest Ally in the Middle East

  • Introduced H.Res. 521, Standing with Israel as it works to dismantle Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities and defends itself against Iranian attacks on civilians: Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon threatens both Israel and the United States. The Iranian regime has repeatedly made clear that, if it obtains such a weapon, it intends to use it against our nations. This resolution commends Israel for degrading Iran’s nuclear facilities and eliminating Iranian terrorist leaders. Israel’s actions advanced American national security interests and made the United States safer.

     
  • Cosponsored H.R. 7540, the United States-Israel FUTURES Act of 2026: This bill establishes the U.S.-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to accelerate the co-development of next-generation defense technology with Israel to support American service members. The U.S. and Israel have cooperated in developing key technologies historically, including the Iron Dome and subterranean detection technologies employed on our Southern Border. Through this new initiative the U.S. and Israel can strengthen this cooperation and advance joint investments in AI, coproduction, biotechnologies, and other emerging technologies.

     
  • Cosponsored the H.R. 1229, the United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025: This legislation would reinforce existing defense cooperation agreements between the United States and Israel while expanding collaboration into emerging technologies, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Our two nations already cooperate on critical technologies such as Iron Dome, short-range ballistic missile defense systems, and anti-tunneling capabilities that are also deployed along our Southern border. Expanding this partnership will allow both countries to continue benefiting from our strong bilateral relationship.

     
  • Cosponsored H.R. 1710, the PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act of 2025: This bill would establish new sanctions authorities to combat the Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization’s abhorrent “pay to slay” program. These entities provide lifetime payments to the families of radical Palestinians who murder innocent Israelis. By creating additional sanctions tools, this legislation would empower President Trump to finally put an end to this heinous practice.

     
  • Cosponsored H.R. 2346, the Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act: This legislation would finally move towards designating and sanctioning the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) as a terrorist entity. The PRC is the third-largest terrorist organization operating in Gaza and participated in the horrific October 7th attacks. Sanctioning the organization would disrupt its sources of financing and weaken its ability to carry out further terrorist attacks against innocent Israelis.

Combating International Delegitimization Efforts

  • Introduced H.R. 3050, the Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors Act: This bill would prohibit the federal government from awarding contracts to entities that support the radical and anti-Semitic Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement targeting Israel. Thirty-six states have already enacted laws opposing boycotts of Israel, reflecting a broad nationwide commitment to confronting the BDS movement. The federal government should adopt policies consistent with this overwhelming consensus and reaffirm the unbreakable alliance between the United States and Israel.

     
  • Cosponsored H.R. 867, the IGO Anti-Boycott Act: Existing law prevents Americans from being compelled to participate in a boycott requested by a foreign government. This legislation would extend that protection by prohibiting Americans from being forced to comply with boycotts promoted by international governmental organizations, including the United Nations. Importantly, the bill would not prevent an American from voluntarily participating in a boycott. It would simply ensure that no foreign country or international organization can compel an American to do so.

Supporting Israel’s Rightful Historical Claim to Judea and Samaria & Religious Freedom Upon the Temple Mount

  • Founded and Chair the Friends of Judea and Samaria Caucus: Last year, I established the Friends of Judea and Samaria Caucus, which now includes more than 20 members of Congress committed to recognizing the historical, strategic, and cultural importance of Judea and Samaria. The Caucus provides members with educational briefings and materials on important regional issues while working to strengthen ties between the United States and this historically and biblically significant region. As anti-Israel activists attempt to erase Israel’s historical and biblical connection to Judea and Samaria, it is more important than ever that we speak the truth about this region and its significance.

     
  • Introduced H.R. 902, the RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act: The names Judea and Samaria date back thousands of years to the ancient Kingdoms of Judah and Samaria. After Israel’s Arab neighbors launched the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel reclaimed Judea and Samaria from Jordan. The term “West Bank” is frequently used to deny or diminish Israel’s historic claim to the region. This bill would require official U.S. laws, documents, and statements to use the historically accurate term “Judea and Samaria” rather than “West Bank.”

     
  • Introduced H.Res. 852, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Israel maintains sovereignty over the Temple Mount and recognizing the importance of religious freedom for all on the Temple Mount: This resolution affirms the right of the Jewish people to pray and worship on the Temple Mount, consistent with freedom of religion, and recognizes the integral role of the Temple Mount to the Jewish people’s heritage and history. Currently, non-Muslims are severely restricted in their rights on the Temple Mount, with restrictions on visitation and prayer, and non-Muslims often face severe harassment upon the Temple Mount. The resolution supports the inalienable rights of all people to religious freedom and the right to pray at their holy sites. 

     
  • Led a Letter to President Trump Urging Him to Recognize Israel’s Right to Declare Sovereignty Over Judea and Samaria: As radical left-wing activists seek to tear down historically important statues and erase the legacy of America’s Founding Fathers, President Trump has remained steadfast in defending our nation’s history and heritage. Recognizing the central role that Judea and Samaria have played in shaping our shared Judeo-Christian heritage would further those efforts. Accordingly, this letter conveyed my strong support for recognizing Israel’s right to declare sovereignty over this historically and biblically significant region.

     
  • Led an Amendment to the NSRP Appropriations Bill to Support Religious Freedom upon the Temple Mount: In this year’s National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations bill, I led an amendment to encourage the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to ensure religious freedom and equal access for all with respect to the Temple Mount. For too long, Jews and Christians have been denied rights equal to those of Muslims, despite the religious and historical significance to all three religions. I am pleased that this amendment was adopted and included in the bill and look forward to working with the USCIRF to promote religious freedom for all.

Countering the Iranian Mullahs’ Brutal Regime of Terrorism and Oppression

  • Introduced H.Res. 176, the Encouraging the EU to DESIGNATE Resolution and Led Letters to the UK, India, Australia, and Canada Encouraging them to Designate the IRGC as a Terrorist Entity: In 2019, the United States designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization because of its support for terrorist groups abroad and its role in targeting U.S. servicemembers. The Encouraging the EU to DESIGNATE Resolution calls on the European Union to follow America’s example and designate the IRGC as a terrorist entity. The resolution passed the House of Representatives on April 16, 2024, by an overwhelming vote of 411–14. I also led letters urging the United Kingdom, India, Australia, and Canada to take the same action. I was pleased that these efforts contributed to Canada’s decision to designate the IRGC as a terrorist entity on June 19, 2024, and the United Kingdom’s decision to designate the IRGC as a threat to national security on July 17, 2026.

     
  • Introduced H.Res. 139, Calling on the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3) to initiate the snapback of sanctions on Iran under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015): This bipartisan resolution urged the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—the E3—to initiate the snapback mechanism against Iran under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231. Snapback sanctions allowed the E3 to restore sanctions against the Iranian regime that were lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), including important restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile exports and nuclear activities. I am pleased that as a result of my advocacy, on August 28, 2025, the E3 invoked snapback sanctions, which went into effect on September 28, 2025. 

     
  • Co-Led H.R. 7380, the IRAN Act: This bill is a comprehensive package designed to advance internet freedom efforts in Iran. It requires the State Department to implement its strategy to promote internet freedom and access in Iran and provides resources to promote cybersecurity and internet access for civil society, journalists, and human rights defenders in Iran. Iran’s history of brutally suppressing its own people cannot stand any longer. We must do more to support the Iranian people in their quest for freedom from the mullahs.

     
  • Co-Led H.R. 6469, the FREEDOM Act: This bill requires the State Department to study the feasibility of direct-to-cell (D2C) technologies for promoting internet freedom in Iran. D2C technologies show promising signs of allowing individuals to circumvent government blackouts and access the internet. As these technologies continue to develop, the State Department must continually assess their feasibility and how the U.S. can support the deployment of these technologies into Iran.

     
  • Cosponsored H.R. 2570, the Maximum Pressure Act: This comprehensive legislation would impose the strongest sanctions package ever enacted against Iran while codifying President Trump’s Maximum Pressure Campaign and NSPM-2. The bill would expand sanctions targeting Iran’s ballistic missile program, blacklist Iranian banks, strengthen enforcement of existing sanctions, and eliminate restrictions that allow Iranian terrorists to escape accountability. This legislation would provide President Trump with the authorities necessary to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten the United States and Israel.
     

Your views are very important to me. I hope you will take the time to review this plan and let me know what you think. If you would like to contact me, you can write to me on my website at tenney.house.gov or call my office at 202-225-3665 with feedback, questions, or concerns.