MIDDLE EAST FORUM for MIDDLE EAST FORUM
What was lobbied
5 issue areas, each in the filer's own words, with who lobbied on it and where.
Defense DEF
National Defense Authorization Act FY2027: Authorization request for U.S. Central Command to launch an enhanced information operations and counter-propaganda pilot program.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BENJAMIN SCOTT BAIRD | — |
Taxation/Internal Revenue Code TAX
Identified compliance gaps in nonprofit organizations involved in political activities and advocated for 501(c) reforms and enforcement.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BENJAMIN SCOTT BAIRD | — |
Foreign Relations FOR
Department of State Authorization Act FY2027: In support of S. Amdt. 6559 to S.4784 - Section 8622. Office of the Inspector General for Foreign Assistance Supported HR 3307 -Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act- supporting 3+1 framework. Promoted new legislation to levy sanctions on countries that host Hamas political leadership. Advocated for a resolution to conduct a feasibility study of closing U.S. military bases in Spain. National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs FY2027: Appropriations request to improve vetting and transparency to foreign assistance in Gaza and the West Bank. Advocated for the legislation and executive action designating of Jamaat-e-Islami factions in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BENJAMIN SCOTT BAIRD | — |
Budget/Appropriations BUD
H.R. 8800 National Defense Authorization Act FY2027 - In support of Section 1216 - Extension of Limitation on Availability of Funds for the Iraqi Security Forces. S. 4784 National Defense Authorization Act FY2027 - In support of Section 1214 - Extension and Modification of Authority to Provide Assistance to Counter the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BENJAMIN SCOTT BAIRD | — |
Homeland Security HOM
H.R. 8236 - the Designating Hamas Affiliates in America Act: Advocated for co-sponsors for a bill directing the Treasury Department to designate the Council on American-Islamic Relations as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Assisted in drafting and designing legislation directing the Treasury Department to designate a domestic organization as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and establishing procedures for protecting houses of worship and beneficiary institutions engaged in property-holding interests with designated groups. Consulted with Department of Homeland Security and USAID Office of the Inspector General on debarment of terror-linked organizations. 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.
| 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.