AIPAC: America's Pro-Israel Lobby
The pro-Israel lobby, led by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), is one of the most powerful political forces in Washington. The lobby's initiatives, backed by tens of millions in dollars in political contributions, often become legislation that passes overwhelmingly in Congress. Its supporters say AIPAC is key to the strategic U.S.-Israel alliance. Its critics contend that the lobby's unconditional support for controversial Israeli policies are counter-productive for both Israel and the U.S.
Friends on the Hill
Click on the photos to check out some of the legislation introduced so far this year by big recipients of pro-Israel lobby money.
Sen. Joe Lieberman
(I-CT)
$2,201,474
1967 Borders (S.Con.Res. 23)
Resolution stating Israel should not have to return to the 1967 borders with Palestine.
Return to Direct Talks (S.Res.185)
Resolution calling on the President to thwart Palestinian statehood efforts at the United Nations, and threatening to cut aid to the Palestinians if they do not cooperate.
Sen. Carl Levin
(D-MI)
$1,650,162
Return to Direct Talks (S.Res.185)
Resolution calling on the President to thwart Palestinian statehood efforts at the United Nations, and threatening to cut aid to the Palestinians if they do not cooperate.
Sen. Mark Kirk
(R-IL)
$1,475,031
Iran Transparency and Accountability Act of 2011 (S.366): A bill that would require disclosure to the Securities and Exchange Commission of sanctionable activities with respect to Iran.
Iran Human Rights and Democracy Promotion Act of 2011 (S.879): A bill imposing sanctions against those who transfer goods or technologies to Iran that may be used to commit human rights abuses.
1967 Borders (S.Con.Res. 23): A resolution that states that Israel should not have to return to the 1967 borders with Palestine.
Return to Direct Talks (S.Res.185): Resolution calling on the President to thwart Palestinian statehood efforts at the United Nations, and threatening to cut aid to the Palestinians if they do not cooperate.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
(R-KY)
$1,099,435
Return to Direct Talks (S.Res.185)
Resolution calling on the President to thwart Palestinian statehood efforts at the United Nations, and threatening to cut aid to the Palestinians if they do not cooperate.
Sen. Dick Durbin
(D-IL)
$847,234
Return to Direct Talks (S.Res.185)
Resolution calling on the President to thwart Palestinian statehood efforts at the United Nations, and threatening to cut aid to the Palestinians if they do not cooperate.
Sen. Ron Wyden
(D-OR)
$1,002,557
Return to Direct Talks (S.Res.185)
Resolution calling on the President to thwart Palestinian statehood efforts at the United Nations, and threatening to cut aid to the Palestinians if they do not cooperate.
1967 Borders (S.Con.Res. 23)
Resolution stating Israel should not have to return to the 1967 borders with Palestine.
Sen. John McCain
(R-AZ)
$1,143,099
Return to Direct Talks (S.Res.185)
Resolution calling on the President to thwart Palestinian statehood efforts at the United Nations, and threatening to cut aid to the Palestinians if they do not cooperate.
Rep. Shelley Berkley
(D-NV)
$916,386
Iran Transparency and Accountability Act of 2011 (H.Res.740): A bill that would require disclosure to the Securities and Exchange Commission of sanctionable activities with respect to Iran.
Stop Iran's Nuclear Weapons Program Act of 2011 (H.Res.1655): A bill that would impose stricter sanctions against Iran that includes trying to limit the country's ability develop its oil resources.
Iran Threat Reduction Act of 2011 (H.Res.1905): If enacted it would impose even tighter sanctions on Iran including restricting its gasoline supply.
Limit Assistance to Egypt (H.Res.1514): Measure would limit U.S. assistance to Egypt unless Egypt honors its commitments to Israel.
Return to Direct Talks (H. Res 268): Resolution calling on the President to thwart Palestinian statehood efforts at the United Nations, and threatening to cut aid to the Palestinians if they do not cooperate.
Israeli Security (H.Res.270): Reaffirming U.S. commitment to Israel.
Release Israeli Soldier (H.Res.317): Demands Hamas, which governs the Palestinian-held Gaza Strip, immediately and unconditionally release the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Cut Palestinian Aid (H.Res. 244): Resolution stating a Palestinian government that includes an unchanged Hamas should be prohibited from U.S. aid.
Sen. Charles Schumer
(D-NY)
$825,549
Return to Direct Talks (S.Res.185)
Resolution calling on the President to thwart Palestinian statehood efforts at the United Nations, and threatening to cut aid to the Palestinians if they do not cooperate.
Sen. Frank Lautenberg
(D-NJ)
$663,227
Return to Direct Talks (S.Res.185)
Resolution calling on the President to thwart Palestinian statehood efforts at the United Nations, and threatening to cut aid to the Palestinians if they do not cooperate.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor
(R-VA)
$677,040
Return to Direct Talks (H. Res 268)
Resolution calling on the President to thwart Palestinian statehood efforts at the United Nations, and threatening to cut aid to the Palestinians if they do not cooperate.
Sen. Barbara Boxer
(D-CA)
$900,926
Return to Direct Talks (S.Res.185)
Resolution calling on the President to thwart Palestinian statehood efforts at the United Nations, and threatening to cut aid to the Palestinians if they do not cooperate.
United States-Israel Rocket and Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act (S.3451)
Authorizes the President to provide Israel money for its Iron Dome Short Range Artillery Rocket Defense System, which intercepts short-range missiles, rockets and mortars.