MIDDLE EAST FORUM for MIDDLE EAST FORUM
What was lobbied
4 issue areas, each in the filer's own words, with who lobbied on it and where.
Education EDU
Influence Act, an unfiled bill which seeks to prohibit federal student aid to students who travel abroad and participate in foreign propaganda on behalf of countries of concern. Urged Senate office to push the Department of Education to initiate Title VI of the Higher Education Act; monitor foreign travel among professors and senior researchers; urge universities to conduct investigations of professors with known ties to foreign adversaries. S.1136 - the DETERRENT Act, a bill to improve monitoring and transparency around foreign influence in higher education.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BENJAMIN SCOTT BAIRD New | — |
Foreign Relations FOR
HR 3307 -Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act- supporting 3+1 framework. Promoted new legislation to levy sanctions on countries that host Hamas political leadership. HR 4427 - Syria Sanctions Accountability Act, support efforts to keep Caesar Act sanctions in place. NDAA 2026 - Supported section to reduce funding to Iraqi military if it continued supported Iran-backed militias; supported more funding for US-Israel partnerships in emerging technologies; opposed efforts to repeal Caesar Act sanctions. Provided research and opposed nomination of US Ambassador to Kuwait. Advocated for designations of Muslim Brotherhood factions in several countries. Iran nuclear nonproliferation and hostile influence education.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BENJAMIN SCOTT BAIRD | — |
Budget/Appropriations BUD
Identified Department of Health and Human Services grants to extremist organizations, including nonprofits with links to Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Shared with HHS officials, advocated for recissions and debarments. Worked with Congress to advocate for debarments. Consulted with State Department on debarment of terror-linked organization.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BENJAMIN SCOTT BAIRD | — |
Immigration IMM
Advocated for improved vetting of Afghan immigrants.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BENJAMIN SCOTT BAIRD | — |
Shown as published by the Senate Office of Public Records and the House Clerk under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The official filing is the record; open it for the full form.