Congress is out of session until Monday, November 9 for the midterm campaign. No new roll-call votes until then; the last were the House on Sep 16 and the Senate on Sep 30.

Issues / Issue · Sep 8 – Oct 7, 2026

International Affairs

Members of Congress are engaging in multiple international affairs initiatives this week. Democrats are criticizing Trump administration policies on Iran, foreign aid cuts, and Venezuela, while also pressing for journalist releases and condemning Israeli settler violence. Republicans are strengthening bilateral relationships with allies including Germany, Greece, South Korea, and Japan. Congressional delegations visited the Western Balkans and Lebanon to address regional security concerns.

AI summary of the releases below · Oct 8, 2026

7D30D90D Export CSV
107Members · 71 D · 36 R
152Actions · 107 D · 45 R
43States & territories · CA · VA · IL · CT lead
8Bills named

How the conversation moved

Democrat Republican · one dot = one action
Action typeWk ofSep 810Wk ofSep 1563Wk ofSep 2243Wk ofSep 2930Wk ofOct 66Total
Requested actionDeclarations, investigations, decisions 1
Sent lettersTo agencies, companies, officials +632
HearingsHeld, testified or questioned 6
StatementsResponses to news +430
CriticizedA policy, decision or person 20
PraisedCredit for a decision or person +115
Visits and eventsTours, town halls, site visits 11
Filed or pushed billsNew, reintroduced or passed +630
Other 7

Developing stories

8 threads · 56 of 152 actions

Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act

37 members

  1. Sep 18Gluesenkamp Perez voted to pass Russia sanctions bill targeting energy sector financing of Ukraine war.
  2. Sep 18Rosen celebrated bipartisan Russia sanctions bill signed into law to crack down on Putin's war funding.
  3. Sep 18Simpson (R) supported the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act imposing new sanctions on Russia.
  4. Sep 21Graham Nordone (R) celebrated President Trump signing Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law.
  5. Sep 29Kaptur urged Trump administration to strengthen Russia sanctions and implement Graham Act.

38 actions →

Israeli Settler Violence in West Bank

4 members

  1. Sep 29Van Hollen criticized Senate Republicans for blocking resolution requiring State Department report on West Bank violence.
  2. Sep 30Jacobs introduced bill to sanction Israeli settlement expansion in West Bank and Gaza.
  3. Sep 30Welch urged Senate passage of resolution demanding State Department report on West Bank violence against Americans.
  4. Oct 1García Led letter condemning Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in West Bank village.

4 actions →

Israeli E1 Settlement Sanctions

4 members

  1. Sep 23Gallego introduced bill to impose sanctions on Israeli E1 settlement construction in West Bank.
  2. Sep 28Merkley, Wyden introduced legislation to impose sanctions on Israeli E1 settlement construction.
  3. Sep 30Bennet introduced bill to impose sanctions on Israeli settlement construction in West Bank E1 area.

3 actions →

Foreign Service Modernization Act

3 members

  1. Sep 16Lawler (R) praised House passage of Foreign Service Modernization Act updating diplomatic operations.
  2. Sep 18Olszewski House passed two bills to strengthen State Department language readiness and diplomatic recruitment.
  3. Sep 22Amo celebrated House passage of Foreign Service Modernization Act strengthening diplomatic corps.

3 actions →

Brazil Electoral Interference Concerns

2 members

  1. Sep 25Ramirez Led letter to Secretary of State urging respect for Brazil's electoral process.
  2. Oct 7Kamlager-Dove demanded State Department answers on revocation of Brazilian Ambassador's diplomatic visa.

2 actions →

Jimmy Lai Internet Freedom Act

2 members

  1. Sep 25Lankford (R) introduced bipartisan bill to help Hong Kong residents circumvent Chinese internet censorship.
  2. Sep 29Kaine introduced bipartisan bill to help Hong Kong residents circumvent Chinese internet censorship.

2 actions →

Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act

3 members

  1. Sep 28Booker reintroduced bill to repeal Helms Amendment and allow U.S. foreign assistance for abortion care overseas.
  2. Sep 28Schakowsky, Pressley reintroduced bill to repeal Helms Amendment and allow U.S. foreign aid for abortion care.

2 actions →

October 7th Terrorist Attacks Resolution

1 member

  1. Sep 13Green shared article criticizing Netanyahu's leadership before October 7th attacks.
  2. Sep 18Green shared Jerusalem Post article about Palestinian Authority warning to Israel before October 7 attacks.

2 actions →

Where they stand

Support · 46

  • RMalliotakis NYApplauded Rubio's visit and urged deeper U.S.-Greece defense cooperation
  • RThompson PAIntroduced resolution supporting German-American alliance and partnership
  • RScott FLAdvocates for American global leadership against China, Russia, North Korea and Iran
  • DDuckworth ILUrged ambassador nominee to counter PRC pressure on African nations
  • RRouzer NCWelcomed Dr. Ibadoghlu's transfer to Germany for medical care
  • RSmith NJPraised State Department visa policy on child abduction
  • RDaines MTOpposes anti-Israel resolution, supports continued security aid to Israel
  • DKaptur OHUrged swift implementation of Russia sanctions legislation
  • DSchakowsky ILReintroduced bill to repeal Helms Amendment restricting abortion care funding
  • DBooker NJReintroduced bill to repeal Helms Amendment for abortion care access
  • DPressley MAReintroduced legislation to repeal Helms Amendment
  • DWhitehouse RIIntroduced bill to enforce environmental accountability in AGOA trade
  • RLankford OKIntroduced Jimmy Lai Internet Freedom Act countering China's censorship
  • RBarrasso WYEmphasized need for American strength and independence from Chinese supply chains
  • DMcGovern MAUrged investigation of Honduras massacre and land dispute resolution
  • DBera CAUrged Trump to uphold Taiwan policy and reduce AI-related national security risks with China
  • DMfume MDIntroduced bill requiring U.S. to rejoin WHO and combat Ebola outbreak
  • DAmo RISecured provisions strengthening diplomatic training and AUKUS partnership support
  • DStevens MIIntroduced compensation and reintegration act for wrongfully detained Americans
  • RGraham Nordone SCPraised bill as tool to pressure Russia and Iran
  • RSimpson IDSupports imposing sanctions on Russia to protect U.S. interests and advance peace
  • DGluesenkamp Perez WACast deciding vote to bring Russia sanctions package to House floor
  • RBritt ALLed passage of sanctions legislation against Russia and Iran
  • RCruz TXPraised Trump signing sanctions legislation against Russia and Iran
  • DOlszewski MDPassed bills to improve diplomatic workforce language skills and recruitment
  • RFranklin FLSupported bill to cut off Russian energy export financing of Ukraine war
  • DMoulton MAVoted yes to ensure support for Ukraine and end the war
  • RMcCaul TXChampioned legislation sanctioning Russia and Iran
  • RFitzgerald WISupports sanctions on Russia and Iran to increase leverage
  • DMin CAVoted to impose harsh economic sanctions on Russia and Iran
  • DQuigley ILVoted for Russia sanctions bill to pressure peace agreement
  • RTurner OHWorked to advance bipartisan sanctions legislation against Russia and Iran
  • RLawler NYPraised passage of first comprehensive Foreign Service Act review since 1980
  • RFischer NESupports Russia sanctions legislation
  • DHoyer MDPraised passage of Russia and Iran sanctions bill
  • RHarrigan NCSupported sweeping sanctions against Russia and Iran
  • RFitzpatrick PACo-Chair of Ukraine Caucus secured final passage of Russia and Iran sanctions bill
  • DGolden MESupports sanctions to cut Russian oil revenue
  • DVindman VAVoted for Russia sanctions to support Ukraine
  • RWomack ARSupported sanctions targeting Russian and Iranian economic backing
  • DDean PAVoted for sanctions bill supporting Ukraine
  • RJohnson LAPassed sanctions legislation targeting Russia's war machine and supporting nations.
  • RWagner MOCo-led bill to sanction Russia and Iran supporters
  • DHoulahan PAVoted yes on Russia sanctions to support Ukraine
  • RWicker MSSupports Russia sanctions to penalize Putin's war economy
  • RCurtis UTAffirmed U.S. support for Ukraine amid Russian aggression

Oppose · 36

  • DKamlager-Dove CAOpposed State Department revocation of Brazilian Ambassador's visa
  • DSherman CACondemned Trump's inflammatory remarks inviting Iran attacks on U.S. cities
  • DGaramendi CACriticized president's dangerous remarks inviting foreign attacks on U.S. cities
  • DLarson CTOpposes easing Russian sanctions
  • DBlumenthal CTReleased report exposing Tether's role in Iran sanctions evasion
  • DCastro TXCriticized insufficient document production on Trump administration Venezuela deal
  • DMerkley ORCriticized Trump administration's unplanned foreign assistance reductions and staffing cuts
  • DBeyer VACalled for immediate release of detained Egyptian journalists
  • DGarcía ILCondemned Israeli settler violence and military actions in al-Mughayyir
  • DOmar MNCondemned Ethiopian military violence and called for ceasefire enforcement
  • DBennet COIntroduced bill to sanction entities facilitating E1 settlement construction
  • DWelch VTDemanded State Department accountability for killings of U.S. citizens in West Bank
  • RMoran KSOpposed Putin's invitation to G20 summit on U.S. soil
  • DJacobs CAIntroduced sanctions on settlement expansion drivers
  • DGallego AZQuestioned Trump's invitation of Putin to G20 on American soil
  • DVan Hollen MDSought accountability for killings of American citizens and Palestinian violence in West Bank
  • DWyden ORIntroduced sanctions legislation targeting E1 settlement construction
  • DMcBride DEDemands immediate release of overdue annual trafficking report
  • DRamirez ILUrged administration to respect Brazil's electoral process and recognize certified outcome
  • RBudd NCCondemns China's detention of American academics
  • DBaldwin WIOpposes continued war in Iran; calls for immediate end
  • DLiccardo CAUrged OFAC and CFIUS to review Russian-owned property and consider sanctions
  • DMurphy CTOpposes Trump's Iran war and Republican blockade of resolution
  • DGoodlander NHDemanded Trump confront China over support to Iran and IRGC operations
  • DHuffman CADemanded answers on Venezuelan oil deal with alleged criminal
  • DMurray WACriticized airstrike civilian casualties, demanded investigation and transparency
  • DWarner VACalled civilian casualties from U.S. strike shocking and deeply troubling
  • DMarkey MAIntroduced resolution disapproving Saudi Arabia weapons sales
  • DCourtney CTVoted against bill for removing sanctions enforcement language
  • DLarsen WAOpposed bill, citing existing presidential sanctions authority and unreleased Ukraine assistance
  • DMoore WIOpposed legislation lacking assurance Trump administration will enforce sanctions on Russia
  • DEscobar TXOpposed bill for granting Trump unchecked tariff power
  • DHayes CTOpposed bill for removing sanctions enforcement language
  • DScott VAOpposed bill for expanding Trump's tariff authority despite supporting Ukraine
  • DJohnson GACriticized Trump administration attacks on ICC and international institutions
  • DKeating MAReleased report criticizing Trump administration's Bosnia policy

What each party did · Democrats 107 · Republicans 45

  • 1Requested action0
  • 30Sent letters2
  • 3Hearings3
  • 19Statements11
  • 19Criticized1
  • 4Praised11
  • 6Visits and events5
  • 21Filed or pushed bills9
  • 4Other3

Most active

  1. DKaine VA6
  2. DWelch VT5
  3. DSherman CA4
  4. DBlumenthal CT4
  5. DMerkley OR4
  6. RDaines MT4
  7. RHagerty TN3
  8. DCastro TX3

By state

  • CA16
  • VA14
  • IL13
  • CT11
  • TX9
  • NJ8
  • MA8
  • AZ7

+35 more with fewer actions

Every action

152 actions · 168 releases
  1. Oct 7, 2026
  2. Oct 6, 2026
    • Visit

      RHagerty TN

      Participated as distinguished guest in trilateral dialogue with U.S., South Korean and Japanese leaders.

      Release ↗

    • Praise

      RMalliotakis NY

      Praised Secretary Rubio's visit to Greece and called for stronger U.S.-Greece security partnership.

      Release ↗

    • Bill

      RThompson PA

      Introduced resolution reaffirming German-American friendship and supporting continued U.S.-Germany cooperation.

      Release ↗

  3. Oct 5, 2026
    • Statement

      RScott FL

      Published op-ed arguing America must maintain global leadership against authoritarian powers.

      Release ↗

    • Bill

      RCiscomani AZ

      Introduced bipartisan legislation to honor Marine veteran and strengthen U.S.-Mexico crime response coordination.

      Release ↗

  4. Oct 2, 2026
    • Criticism

      DKamlager-Dove CA

      Criticized State Department for providing insufficient documents on Venezuela oil deal.

      Release ↗

    • Criticism

      DLarson CT

      Criticized President Trump for considering easing sanctions on Russia.

      Release ↗

    • Statement

      DBlumenthal CT

      Senator Blumenthal released report on Tether cryptocurrency's role in Iran's shadow banking.

      Release ↗

    • Statement

      DCastro TX

      Issued statement criticizing State Department's limited production of Venezuela oil deal documents.

      Release ↗

    • Criticism

      DMerkley OR

      Criticized Trump administration's foreign assistance cuts for lacking planning and oversight.

      Release ↗

    • Statement

      DWalkinshaw VA

      Virginia Democrats released statement on eighth anniversary of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder.

      Release ↗

    • Letter

      DBeyer VA

      Urged Egyptian government to release six detained journalists immediately.

      Release ↗

  5. Oct 1, 2026
  6. Sep 30, 2026
  7. Sep 29, 2026
  8. Sep 28, 2026
  9. Sep 25, 2026
  10. Sep 24, 2026
  11. Sep 23, 2026
    • Statement

      RBarrasso WY

      Spoke on need for American strength against Chinese aggression ahead of Trump-Xi meeting.

      Release ↗

    • Hearing

      RSmith NJ

      Held hearing on Americans detained in China, including 12-year case of U.S. Army veteran's son.

      Release ↗

    • Letter

      DMcGovern MA

      Urged Secretary of State Rubio to support international investigation of Honduran peasant farmworker massacre.

      Release ↗

    • Letter

      RKim CA

      Led letter to President Trump outlining priorities for Xi Jinping summit, including releasing detained U.S. citizens.

      Release ↗

    • Letter

      DNadler NY, DSchneider IL

      Led Congressional Jewish Caucus letter urging State Department to preserve Holocaust envoy office.

      Release (2 members) ↗

    • Bill

      DGallego AZ

      Introduced bill to impose sanctions on Israeli E1 settlement construction in West Bank.

      ↳ Israeli E1 Settlement Sanctions · Release ↗

    • Statement

      RDaines MT

      Discussed Xi Jinping's U.S. visit on Fox News, emphasizing need for strategic stability with China.

      Release ↗

    • Criticism

      DGallego AZ

      Criticized Republican lawmakers for only now opposing Iran War after Congress adjourned.

      Release ↗

    • Letter

      DBennet CO

      Sent letter demanding Trump administration declassify documents on U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal.

      Release ↗

    • Criticism

      DWelch VT

      Criticized U.S. blockade against Cuba as illegal and harmful to Cuban people.

      Release ↗

    • Statement

      DReed RI

      Joined statement warning that China poses greater security threat than ever before.

      Release ↗

    • Letter

      DBera CA

      Urged Trump to maintain Taiwan commitments and establish AI crisis guardrails at Xi summit.

      Release ↗

  12. Sep 22, 2026
    • Letter

      DGarcía IL

      Joined 70+ lawmakers from 13 countries urging end to U.S. boat strikes and extrajudicial killings.

      Release ↗

    • Criticism

      DDuckworth IL

      Criticized Trump's trade wars and defense policies as harmful to Indo-Pacific partners and American consumers.

      Release ↗

    • Bill

      DMfume MD

      Introduced bill requiring U.S. to rejoin WHO and address Ebola outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa.

      Release ↗

    • Bill

      DAmo RI

      Celebrated House passage of Foreign Service Modernization Act strengthening diplomatic corps.

      ↳ Foreign Service Modernization Act · Release ↗

    • Letter

      DSchatz HI

      Urged State Department to prioritize release of wrongfully detained American journalist in Iran.

      Release ↗

    • Letter

      DGarcía IL

      Joined 70+ lawmakers from the Americas demanding end to U.S. attacks on vessels and extrajudicial executions.

      Release ↗

  13. Sep 21, 2026
  14. Sep 19, 2026
    • Statement

      RHamadeh AZ

      Issued State Department travel advisory warning U.S. citizens of Middle East security risks.

      Release ↗

  15. Sep 18, 2026
  16. Sep 17, 2026
  17. Sep 16, 2026
  18. Sep 15, 2026
  19. Sep 14, 2026
  20. Sep 13, 2026
  21. Sep 11, 2026
  22. Sep 10, 2026
    • Visit

      RMurphy NC

      Led bipartisan congressional delegation to Sarajevo Security Conference on Balkan security.

      Release ↗

    • Criticism

      RHamadeh AZ

      Condemned Iranian-backed Houthis for seizing Red Sea port and called for swift action.

      Release ↗

    • Criticism

      DSherman CA

      Criticized State Department's continued ban on U.S. travel to North Korea.

      Release ↗

  23. Sep 9, 2026
  24. Sep 8, 2026

Summaries, action types, amounts and positions are read from each press release by AI and can be wrong. Joint releases (same day, same action, matching title or amount) count once. How it works