Oathstar

Stories / Issue · Aug 7 – Oct 2, 2026

International Affairs

7D30D90D Export CSV
131Members · 81 D · 50 R
209Actions · 140 D · 69 R
50States & territories · VA · CA · CT · IL lead
8Bills named

How the conversation moved

Democrat Republican · one dot = one action
Action typeWk ofJul 5Wk ofJul 12Wk ofJul 19Wk ofJul 26Wk ofAug 212Wk ofAug 921Wk ofAug 1615Wk ofAug 236Wk ofAug 3017Wk ofSep 69Wk ofSep 1359Wk ofSep 2043Wk ofSep 2727Total
Requested actionDeclarations, investigations, decisions 1
Sent lettersTo agencies, companies, officials +554
HearingsHeld, testified or questioned 8
StatementsResponses to news +234
CriticizedA policy, decision or person 22
PraisedCredit for a decision or person 23
Visits and eventsTours, town halls, site visits 16
Filed or pushed billsNew, reintroduced or passed +543
Other 8

Developing stories

9 threads · 75 of 209 actions

Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act

50 members

  1. Sep 18Britt (R) joined President Trump for signing of Russia and Iran sanctions legislation into law.
  2. Sep 18Cruz (R) praised President Trump signing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law.
  3. Sep 18Rosen celebrated bipartisan Russia sanctions bill signed into law to crack down on Putin's war funding.
  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.

54 actions →

Israeli Settler Violence in West Bank

5 members

  1. Aug 25Tlaib Led 40 members in letter demanding Secretary of State secure release of U.S. citizen from Israeli military prison.
  2. Sep 29Van Hollen criticized Senate Republicans for blocking resolution requiring State Department report on West Bank violence.
  3. Sep 30Jacobs introduced bill to sanction Israeli settlement expansion in West Bank and Gaza.
  4. Sep 30Welch urged Senate passage of resolution demanding State Department report on West Bank violence against Americans.
  5. Oct 1García Led letter condemning Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in West Bank village.

5 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 28Wyden, Merkley 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 →

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

2 actions →

China Religious Persecution Concerns

2 members

  1. Aug 20Lee (R) called for investigation into California's climate agreements with China.
  2. Sep 24Merkley criticized Senate Republicans for blocking bipartisan resolution condemning China's transnational repression.

2 actions →

China Iran Military Support

2 members

  1. Aug 19Scott (R) demanded investigation into California's climate agreements with China as unconstitutional foreign policy overreach.
  2. Sep 24Goodlander Sent letter urging Trump to hold China accountable for supporting Iran against U.S. troops.

2 actions →

Where they stand

Support · 57

  • DDuckworth ILUrged ambassador nominee to counter PRC pressure on African nations
  • RRouzer NCWelcomed Dr. Ibadoghlu's transfer to Germany for medical care
  • RDaines MTOpposes anti-Israel resolution, supports continued security aid to Israel
  • DKaptur OHUrged swift implementation of Russia sanctions legislation
  • RSmith NJPraised State Department visa policy on child abduction
  • DBooker NJReintroduced bill to repeal Helms Amendment for abortion care access
  • DSchakowsky ILReintroduced bill to repeal Helms Amendment restricting abortion care funding
  • 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
  • RGraham Nordone SCPraised bill as tool to pressure Russia and Iran
  • DStevens MIIntroduced compensation and reintegration act for wrongfully detained Americans
  • DRosen NVPraised bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran energy and defense sectors
  • RCruz TXPraised Trump signing sanctions legislation against Russia and Iran
  • RBritt ALLed passage of sanctions legislation against Russia and Iran
  • DOlszewski MDPassed bills to improve diplomatic workforce language skills and recruitment
  • 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
  • RFranklin FLSupported bill to cut off Russian energy export financing of Ukraine war
  • RMcCaul TXChampioned legislation sanctioning Russia and Iran
  • DMin CAVoted to impose harsh economic sanctions on Russia and Iran
  • RFitzgerald WISupports sanctions on Russia and Iran to increase leverage
  • RWicker MSSupports Russia sanctions to penalize Putin's war economy
  • RFischer NESupports Russia sanctions legislation
  • RWomack ARSupported sanctions targeting Russian and Iranian economic backing
  • RWagner MOCo-led bill to sanction Russia and Iran supporters
  • DVindman VAVoted for Russia sanctions to support Ukraine
  • RTurner OHWorked to advance bipartisan sanctions legislation against Russia and Iran
  • DQuigley ILVoted for Russia sanctions bill to pressure peace agreement
  • RJohnson LAPassed sanctions legislation targeting Russia's war machine and supporting nations.
  • RLawler NYPraised passage of first comprehensive Foreign Service Act review since 1980
  • DHoyer MDPraised passage of Russia and Iran sanctions bill
  • RHarrigan NCSupported sweeping sanctions against Russia and Iran
  • DGolden MESupports sanctions to cut Russian oil revenue
  • RFitzpatrick PACo-Chair of Ukraine Caucus secured final passage of Russia and Iran sanctions bill
  • DDean PAVoted for sanctions bill supporting Ukraine
  • DHoulahan PAVoted yes on Russia sanctions to support Ukraine
  • RCurtis UTAffirmed U.S. support for Ukraine amid Russian aggression
  • RCrapo IDSupports extension of AGOA and Haiti trade programs
  • RJackson TXCalled for tools and strategies to deter Houthi aggression in Red Sea
  • DPlaskett VISupports extension of Haiti HOPE/HELP and AGOA trade programs through 2028
  • RFinstad MNAdvocated for international assistance and diplomacy investments
  • RWilson SCIntroduced sanctions bill against Russia and Iran
  • DSubramanyam VASupports improved detention conditions and human rights protections for Khan
  • RBuchanan FLUrged designation of Ecuador as Major Non-NATO Ally
  • RDiaz-Balart FLUrged Lithuania to continue supporting Taiwan relations
  • RYoung INSupported Russia sanctions while cautioning on tariff impacts
  • DSmith MNSupports harsh sanctions on Russia for Ukraine invasion
  • DKelly AZPraised Senate passage of bipartisan Russia sanctions bill
  • RHusted OHBacked Senate passage of Russia sanctions legislation
  • RHoeven NDPraised Senate passage of Russia sanctions bill
  • DHeinrich NMCosponsored and secured passage of Russia sanctions legislation

Oppose · 40

  • DBlumenthal CTReleased report exposing Tether's role in Iran sanctions evasion
  • DBeyer VACalled for immediate release of detained Egyptian journalists
  • DGarcía ILCondemned Israeli settler violence and military actions in al-Mughayyir
  • 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
  • DGallego AZQuestioned Trump's invitation of Putin to G20 on American soil
  • DBennet COIntroduced bill to sanction entities facilitating E1 settlement construction
  • DJacobs CAIntroduced sanctions on settlement expansion drivers
  • DVan Hollen MDSought accountability for killings of American citizens and Palestinian violence in West Bank
  • DWyden ORIntroduced sanctions legislation targeting E1 settlement construction
  • DMerkley ORIntroduced bill to sanction entities facilitating West Bank settlement development
  • RBudd NCCondemns China's detention of American academics
  • DRamirez ILUrged administration to respect Brazil's electoral process and recognize certified outcome
  • DMcBride DEDemands immediate release of overdue annual trafficking report
  • DMurphy CTOpposes Trump's Iran war and Republican blockade of resolution
  • DBaldwin WIOpposes continued war in Iran; calls for immediate end
  • DLiccardo CAUrged OFAC and CFIUS to review Russian-owned property and consider sanctions
  • DGoodlander NHDemanded Trump confront China over support to Iran and IRGC operations
  • DWarner VACalled civilian casualties from U.S. strike shocking and deeply troubling
  • DMurray WACriticized airstrike civilian casualties, demanded investigation and transparency
  • DHuffman CADemanded answers on Venezuelan oil deal with alleged criminal
  • DMarkey MAIntroduced resolution disapproving Saudi Arabia weapons sales
  • DSherman CAOpposes U.S.-Saudi nuclear agreement
  • DLarson CTOpposed bill for removing sanctions enforcement language and expanding tariff powers
  • DLarsen WAOpposed bill, citing existing presidential sanctions authority and unreleased Ukraine assistance
  • DHayes CTOpposed bill for removing sanctions enforcement language
  • DMoore WIOpposed legislation lacking assurance Trump administration will enforce sanctions on Russia
  • DEscobar TXOpposed bill for granting Trump unchecked tariff power
  • DCourtney CTVoted against bill for removing sanctions enforcement language
  • DScott VAOpposed bill for expanding Trump's tariff authority despite supporting Ukraine
  • DKeating MAReleased report criticizing Trump administration's Bosnia policy
  • DJohnson GACriticized Trump administration attacks on ICC and international institutions
  • RGrassley IACondemned state honors for war criminal and Srebrenica genocide architect
  • DTran CAOpposed resolution for failing to address Vietnamese communist regime atrocities
  • RLee UTUrged investigation into California-China climate pacts
  • DMeeks NYDemanded State Department resume fellowship program cohorts
  • RScott FLDemanded investigation into California's climate agreements with China
  • DKamlager-Dove CAQuestioned financial conflicts in UAE export control upgrade
  • DJayapal WADemanded clarification on Trump Corollary doctrine's human rights implications
  • DWarnock GAOpposes conditioning health aid on access to citizens' health data

What each party did · Democrats 140 · Republicans 69

  • 1Requested action0
  • 48Sent letters6
  • 3Hearings5
  • 21Statements13
  • 20Criticized2
  • 7Praised16
  • 8Visits and events8
  • 27Filed or pushed bills16
  • 5Other3

Most active

  1. DKaine VA9
  2. DWelch VT7
  3. DBlumenthal CT6
  4. DBeyer VA5
  5. DBennet CO5
  6. DHoyer MD5
  7. RDaines MT4
  8. RSmith NJ4

By state

  • VA22
  • CA16
  • CT13
  • IL13
  • TX13
  • MA12
  • NJ12
  • MD10

+42 more with fewer actions

Every action

209 actions · 234 releases
  1. Oct 2, 2026
    • Statement

      DBlumenthal CT

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

      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 ↗

  2. Oct 1, 2026
  3. Sep 30, 2026
  4. Sep 29, 2026
  5. Sep 28, 2026
  6. Sep 25, 2026
  7. Sep 24, 2026
  8. Sep 23, 2026
    • Letter

      RKim CA

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

      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 ↗

    • Criticism

      DGallego AZ

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

      Release ↗

    • 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 ↗

    • Letter

      DBennet CO

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

      Release ↗

    • Statement

      RBarrasso WY

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

      Release ↗

    • Letter

      DNadler NY, DSchneider IL

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

      Release (2 members) ↗

    • Letter

      DMcGovern MA

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

      Release ↗

    • Letter

      DBera CA

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

      Release ↗

    • Hearing

      RSmith NJ

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

      Release ↗

  9. Sep 22, 2026
    • Letter

      DSchatz HI

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

      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 ↗

    • Letter

      DGarcía IL

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

      Release ↗

    • Bill

      DAmo RI

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

      ↳ Foreign Service Modernization Act · Release ↗

    • Letter

      DGarcía IL

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

      Release ↗

  10. Sep 21, 2026
  11. Sep 19, 2026
    • Statement

      RHamadeh AZ

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

      Release ↗

  12. Sep 18, 2026
  13. Sep 17, 2026
  14. Sep 16, 2026
  15. Sep 15, 2026
  16. Sep 14, 2026
  17. Sep 13, 2026
  18. Sep 11, 2026
  19. Sep 10, 2026
    • Criticism

      DSherman CA

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

      Release ↗

    • 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 ↗

  20. Sep 9, 2026
  21. Sep 8, 2026
  22. Sep 6, 2026
  23. Sep 4, 2026
    • Letter

      DMurphy CT

      Called on UN Security Council to impose additional sanctions on Sudan to cut conflict funding.

      Release ↗

  24. Sep 3, 2026
  25. Sep 2, 2026
    • Statement

      DTran CA

      Voted against House resolution on socialism, criticizing omission of Vietnamese communist regime crimes.

      Release ↗

    • Criticism

      DSherman CA

      Criticized Trump administration's proposed nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia.

      Release ↗

    • Hearing

      RMiller WV

      Participated in Ways and Means Committee hearing on securing U.S. supply chains for critical minerals in Central Asia and Africa.

      Release ↗

    • Bill

      DPanetta CA

      Introduced bipartisan legislation to counter terrorist threats in Mali and strengthen U.S. counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel.

      Release ↗

    • Hearing

      RJackson TX

      Testified on Iranian-backed Houthi threats to Red Sea commerce and American security.

      Release ↗

    • Criticism

      DCastro TX

      Criticized Trump administration's boat strike campaign in Caribbean and Eastern Pacific as illegal and ineffective.

      Release ↗

  26. Sep 1, 2026
    • Visit

      RRadewagen AS

      Attended Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau for discussions on regional security.

      Release ↗

    • Praise

      DPlaskett VI

      Praised House passage of two-year extension of Haiti and African trade preference programs.

      Release ↗

    • Bill

      RHill AR

      Introduced bipartisan resolution recognizing the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program.

      Release ↗

  27. Aug 31, 2026
    • Bill

      DRosen NV

      Introduced bipartisan bill to provide munitions to Ukraine and boost NATO defense contributions.

      Release ↗

    • Praise

      RKing-Hinds MP

      Praised historical and cultural connections between CNMI and Japan.

      Release ↗

    • Letter

      DBeyer VA

      Urged White House to immediately impose sanctions on Russia without waiting for new congressional authority.

      Release ↗

  28. Aug 28, 2026
    • Visit

      DBlumenthal CT

      Visited Ukraine including Dnipro, first congressional trip to the city since Russia's 2022 invasion.

      Release ↗

    • Bill

      RBlackburn TN

      Introduced bipartisan bill to counter China's intimidation tactics against Indo-Pacific partners.

      Release ↗

  29. Aug 27, 2026
    • Letter

      DWalkinshaw VA $3B

      Led 134 colleagues demanding release of $3 billion in global health funding before September 30 expiration.

      Release ↗

    • Visit

      RFinstad MN

      Participated in roundtable discussing strategic investments in diplomacy and international assistance.

      Release ↗

    • Letter

      DAmo RI $7.5B

      Led 134 members demanding Trump administration release $7.5 billion in expiring international affairs and global health funding.

      Release ↗

  30. Aug 25, 2026
  31. Aug 21, 2026
    • Visit

      DKhanna CA

      Co-led bipartisan delegation to Vatican to discuss ethical AI framework with Pope Leo XIV.

      Release ↗

  32. Aug 20, 2026
  33. Aug 19, 2026
  34. Aug 18, 2026
    • Visit

      DKim NJ

      Reaffirmed commitment to U.S.-South Korea strategic alliance in meeting with ROK ambassador.

      Release ↗

    • Statement

      DSubramanyam VA

      Welcomed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's hospital transfer and urged continued human rights advocacy.

      Release ↗

    • Letter

      DMeeks NY, DMcGovern MA

      Led colleagues in letter demanding Trump administration explain decision to lift sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials.

      Release (2 members) ↗

  35. Aug 17, 2026
    • Letter

      DWelch VT

      Pressed DOD for answers on violent U.S.-Ecuadorian counternarcotics operation in March 2026.

      Release ↗

    • Criticism

      DKaine VA

      Criticized Trump's threat to bomb Oman and pledged to file War Powers Resolution against military action.

      Release ↗

    • Letter

      DBennet CO

      Urged Trump administration to escalate efforts to rescue U.S. nationals detained in Russia.

      Release ↗

    • Letter

      DJayapal WA

      Called on Secretary of State Rubio to explain regional implications of Trump administration's Western Hemisphere doctrine.

      Release ↗

  36. Aug 14, 2026
  37. Aug 13, 2026
  38. Aug 12, 2026
  39. Aug 11, 2026
  40. Aug 10, 2026
  41. Aug 8, 2026
  42. Aug 7, 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