Hamadeh, Abe RSS Articles

Vital Information for U.S. Citizens Traveling in the Middle East

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The following information is provided by my office from the U.S. Department of State:

Due to tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation.

Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports. This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly. Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region.

Those who do travel to or from the region should monitor information about airport and airline operations. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions.

For Country Specific Assistance:

Bahrain:

U.S. Embassy Manama: +973-1724-2700, ManamaConsular@state.gov

U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada).

Egypt:

U.S. Embassy Cairo: + 20-2-2797-3300

U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada).

Iran:

Embassy of Switzerland Foreign Interests Section in Tehran: tehran.fi@eda.admin.ch

U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada).

Israel, West Bank, and Gaza:

Israel Police: call 100

Israel Ambulance: call 101

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem: JerusalemACS@state.gov

U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv: TelAvivACS@state.gov

U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada).

Jordan:

U.S. Embassy: Amman, Jordan

Al-Umawyeen 37, Amman, Jordan

Phone number (emergencies during business hours): +962 6 590-6000

Phone number (emergencies after business hours): +962 6 590-6500

Email: Amman-ACS@state.gov

U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada).

Kuwait:

Call 112 in case of emergency requiring police, ambulance, or fire services.

U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs: call +1-202-501-4444 from abroad or +1-888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada.

U.S. Embassy Kuwait: KuwaitACS@state.gov.

Lebanon:

U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs: call +1-202-501-4444 from abroad or +1-888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada.

U.S. Embassy Beirut: +961-4-543-600, BeirutACS@state.gov

Oman:

Dial 9999 for emergency services in Oman

U.S. Embassy Muscat, Oman: 968 2464-3400; MuscatACS@state.gov

U.S. Department of State: call 202-501-4444 from abroad or 888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada

Qatar:

U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada)

U.S. Embassy Doha: + 974-4496-6000, ACSDoha@state.gov

Saudi Arabia:

U.S. Embassy Riyadh

Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Telephone: (966) (11) 835-4000

Email: RiyadhACS@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Jeddah

Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near new American School building, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Telephone: (966) (12) 220-5000

Email: JeddahACS@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Dhahran

The Consulate is located off King Saud bin Abdulaziz Road on the corner of Salah Addin Al Ayoubi Road and Abu l’baba Al Aslami Street.

Telephone: (966) (13) 839-5700

Email: DhahranACS@state.gov

U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center:

+1-202-501-4444 (from abroad)

+1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada)

UAE:

Dial 999 for emergency services in UAE.

Contact the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai by visiting https://ae.usembassy.gov/services/, scroll down to the U.S. Citizen Services Navigator, and clicking on your preferred location.

U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi emergency number: +971-2-414-2200

U.S. Consulate General Dubai emergency number: +971-4-309-4000

U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada)

Congressman Hamadeh Introduces the CATFISH Act to Protect Seniors from Financial Fraudsters

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) introduced the CATFISH Act of 2026, legislation aimed at protecting senior citizens from financial fraudsters.

Congressman Hamadeh introduced the bill in response to constituent concerns about the increasing number of cases in which vulnerable senior citizens are targeted by criminals using fake online identities, known as “catfishing,” to steal money or personal data.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation advises that these “catfishing” con artists are present on most dating and social media sites. Identity theft through this method is becoming a national crisis.

In 2024, Americans age 60 and older reported losing $2.4 billion to fraud, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Experts estimate that the true annual cost of fraud against seniors exceeds $82 billion, as many victims never report their losses.

These “catfish” schemes are commonly operated by transnational criminal organizations, which rely on prepaid gift cards, digital payment platforms, and cryptocurrency transfers to move stolen funds beyond the reach of victims and law enforcement.

“My team has received many requests for assistance from constituents who have been victimized themselves or are loved ones of seniors who have been victimized by these sophisticated criminals. The stories are heartbreaking,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “For too many seniors, these losses mean depleted retirement accounts, delayed medical care, diminished independence, and financial devastation that is unrecoverable. These often-devastating crimes can be prevented, and my legislation aims to do just that.”

The CATFISH Act of 2026 would:

• Train frontline employees to recognize fraud
• Provide seniors with fraud warnings before money is lost
• Establish anti-fraud standards for financial institutions
• Encourage best practices to prevent losses
• Study additional remedies for victims of fraud

House Passes Legislation Targeting Fraud in Federally Funded Programs

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Legislation cosponsored by Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08), the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026, was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.

The legislation makes permanent the newly established National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice (DOJ). The legislation would establish an Assistant Attorney General, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, to lead DOJ efforts to investigate, prosecute, and prevent fraud within federally funded programs.

“I want to thank my colleagues for passing this critical legislation,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “The criminals, who have created the need for this enforcement effort, have not only stolen taxpayer dollars, but have victimized the most vulnerable in our society by depleting the resources allocated for their needs.”

“Just this week, a criminal, who is a resident in my district, was charged with fraudulently billing Arizona’s federally funded Medicaid agency, AHCCS, of more than $33 million in one year alone,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “He specifically targeted AHCCCS enrollees who were covered under the American Indian Health Care Program. He exploited vulnerable people to buy expensive property and luxury items. These federal funds are finite, so not only did he target a vulnerable population, but his thievery also serves to weaken the crucial safety net Americans need for education, medical care, retirement, and more.”

Congressman Hamadeh is one of 4 cosponsors on this crucial legislation alongside Reps. Schmidt (R-KS), Hageman (R-WY), and Fischbach (R-MN).

Background:

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced this year the establishment of the National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice, tasked with investigating and prosecuting those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.

The National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026 would establish a permanent National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice.

This division will:

o Streamline federal fraud investigations

o Lead efforts to investigate, prosecute, and remedy fraud

o Oversee fraud investigations across multiple agencies

o Work with other DOJ components to identify common fraud schemes

o Propose future legislative/regulatory reforms to fix vulnerabilities in the system

o Advise the Attorney General on fraud investigations

Congressman Hamadeh Condemns Iranian-Backed Houthis for Seizing Red Sea Port

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08) condemns the Iranian-backed Houthis and is calling for swift action in response to their terroristic seizure of the port of Mocha.

“The seizure of the strategic port of Mocha in the Red Sea by the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemeni control is a direct assault on regional security, freedom of navigation, and the global economy. The Houthis are an armed extension of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The seizure of this port puts Saudi Arabia directly in harm’s way and we must stand with our allies in the region,” sated Congressman Hamadeh. “The Houthis must face decisive consequences, and Tehran must understand that the era of attacking America and our allies through proxies is over. America First doesn't mean America alone.

Congressman Hamadeh, a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, knows first-hand the ravages committed by the Houthi terrorists from his service time in Saudi Arabia. In 2021, then-Captain Hamadeh was deployed to the Middle East when the Houthis conducted multiple high-profile attacks against civilian Saudi Arabian and coalition targets in the Gulf.

In February 2025, Congressman Hamadeh introduced H.R. 1250, requiring the imposition of sanctions with respect to the officials, agents, or affiliates of Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, for acts of international terrorism.

In April 2025, Congressman Hamadeh reached across the aisle to work with Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) to introduce the Promoting Education on the Abraham Accords for Comprehensive Engagement (PEACE) Act, which will strengthen U.S. diplomatic engagement by institutionalizing training on the Abraham Accords and other normalization agreements at the U.S. State Department.

BACKGROUND

"Yemen's Tehran-backed Houthis attacked four cities in the south of U.S. ally Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, wounding more than 70 people and setting oil installations ablaze in what appeared to be a major expansion of the six-month-old Middle East war," reported USAToday. "The Houthis, who control most of Yemen's populated areas including the capital, said they had launched a broad operation deep into Saudi territory. They used drones and missiles to strike a Saudi airbase in the southern city of Khamis Mushait, and targets belonging to Saudi Arabia's state oil company in nearby Abha, Najran on the Yemeni border, and Jazan, a major Red Sea port city that houses a large refinery and power plant."

Vital Information for U.S.Citizens Traveling in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The following information is provided by my office from the U.S. Department of State:

Due to threat information, U.S. government activities in, and travel to, Nogales have been restricted to essential movement during daylight hours only. We are alerting U.S. citizens of this threat and change in posture. As a reminder, the U.S. Travel Advisory designates Sonora as a Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) area.

Actions to Take:

· Exercise increased caution and be aware of your surroundings.

· Seek shelter in the event of an incident.

· Notify friends and family of your safety in the event of an incident.

· Follow instructions from Mexican law enforcement.

· Monitor local media for updates.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico:

From Mexico: 55-5080-2000

From the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000

Department of State – Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444

Convicted predators face lifetime barrier under GOP lawmaker’s sweeping victim protection bill

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

An Arizona congressman is putting convicted predators on notice after the House unanimously backed a bill designed to prevent abusers from dragging their victims back into court years after their crimes.

House Passes Congressman Hamadeh’s Kayleigh’s Law Bill to Protect Victims of Dangerous Crimes from Their Abusers

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08) is grateful to his colleagues for their votes today in support of his legislation, known as Kayleigh’s Law, which protects victims of dangerous crimes from their abusers.

Congressman Hamadeh introduced Kayleigh’s Law in order to deliver stronger, lifelong protection to survivors of federal sex crimes and violent felonies by requiring courts to issue permanent no-contact injunctions against convicted offenders.

The goal of this legislation is to eliminate the "legal tug-of-war" where survivors must repeatedly face their attackers in court to maintain basic safety protections. Having passed at the state level in both Arizona and Wisconsin, this legislation, named after Kayleigh Kozak, a young mother from Arizona who was victimized as a child, prohibits all forms of direct or indirect contact with the victim for the rest of the guilty predator's life. The prohibition will remain in effect even after prison, probation, or supervised release ends.

“I want to thank my colleagues for their votes today. As I said on the floor today, Kayleigh’s Law started in Arizona. It works. In its first year alone, more than a thousand survivors in our state secured lifetime protection from the people who hurt them. H.R. 8481 would give every American victim of a federal sex crime or violent felony that same shield. This bill is simple. When a predator is convicted, federal courts must issue a lifelong no-contact injunction. Not until probation ends. Not until some judge decides the offender has “moved on.” For life. Victims should never again have to fill out another form, sit across from their abuser, or look over their shoulder because the sentence ran out and the system shrugged.”

“I have sat across from victims,” continued Congressman Hamadeh, a former prosecutor. “I know how vulnerable they are. I know how determined their predators are. And I know how often modern courts fail them, how they treat lifetime safety like an afterthought and force survivors back into a legal tug-of-war just to stay free of the person who hurt them. Kayleigh lived that failure. She should not have had to. Healing cannot begin if the abuser can show up again the day after release. Justice is not complete if the victim still lives in fear. Arizona already closed that gap. It is time the federal government did the same, so no American, no matter which state they live in, is left unprotected after a federal conviction.”

Original cosponsors of this bill include Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36) , Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Troy Downing (MT-02), Mike Ezell (MS-04), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), David Joyce (OH-14), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Barry Moore (AL-01), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chris Smith (NJ-04), David Schweikert (AZ-01), Greg Steube (FL-17), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), David Taylor (OH-02), and Delegate Kimberly King-Hinds (MP).

Congressman Hamadeh to Introduce the Reserve Retirement Fairness Act to End Military Retirement Inequity

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of his strong commitment to our nation’s veterans, Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) is introducing the Reserve Component Fairness Act, legislation to correct an inequity in military retirement rules that disadvantages veterans who served on regular active duty before transitioning to the National Guard or Reserve.

Under current law, certain members of the Ready Reserve can reduce the age at which they receive Reserve retirement pay below age 60 by three months for every qualifying 90-day period of active service. However, that credit generally applies only to qualifying active-duty service performed while the service member was already affiliated with the Ready Reserve or National Guard.

As a result, a veteran who serves several years on regular active duty before joining the Reserve can receive no credit toward a reduced retirement age for that prior qualifying service. Meanwhile, a reservist who performs the same qualifying active-duty service after joining the Ready Reserve can receive the full retirement-age reduction.

The Reserve Component Fairness Act would allow qualifying active-duty service performed after January 28, 2008, before a service member joins the Ready Reserve to count toward reducing the age at which they can receive Reserve retirement pay.

“I am grateful to the veterans who brought this inequity to my attention, and grateful for being in a position to do something to correct it,” said Congressman Hamadeh, a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the House Armed Services Committee. “We must eliminate disparities whenever possible and ensure that our nation’s heroes are treated fairly and their sacrifices are honored.”

“This legislation corrects a situation created by bureaucrats who arbitrarily made a distinction between two service members who may have performed identical active-duty service under the same conditions,” Congressman Hamadeh continued. “This common-sense legislation changes that without creating a new retirement benefit or altering eligibility for non-regular retired pay. Members must still satisfy all existing statutory requirements for a Reserve retirement, including completing 20 qualifying years of service, and the current statutory minimum retirement age of 50 remains unchanged.”

The legislation recognizes that the value of qualifying military service should not depend solely on whether a service member performed that service before or after affiliating with the Ready Reserve.

By treating qualifying active-duty service equally, the Reserve Component Fairness Act would help strengthen recruitment and retention in the Reserve Components while ensuring veterans receive fair treatment for the service they have already provided to the nation.

Congressman Hamadeh Honored to Introduce the Mueller-Keating Memorial Highway Act

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) is honored to announce the introduction of the Mueller-Keating Memorial Highway Act, which designates a section of I-17 to honor Kayla Mueller and Charlie Keating.

The Mueller-Keating Memorial Highway Act will honor the lives of “Arizona’s Angel” Kayla Mueller and Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Charles H. Keating IV, who embody Arizona’s dual legacy of humanitarian courage and combat sacrifice in the fight against ISIS.

The Mueller-Keating Memorial Highway will begin in Prescott, Kayla’s hometown, and end in Phoenix, Charlie’s hometown.

Congressman Hamadeh introduced the legislation on August 13 in advance of what should have been Kayla’s 38^th birthday on August 14.

Chief Keating was the third U.S. servicemember killed in Operation Inherent Resolve. “Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve was formed in 2014 to reclaim land stolen by ISIS in Iraq and Syria, dismantle the group’s network, and protect the population from its violence and influence.” ^{^[1]}

Kayla was abducted by terrorists while leaving a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Aleppo, Syria, in 2013. She was held captive for 18 month and killed by ISIS militants, including then-ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Congressman Hamadeh, a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, took his oath of office while honoring the life of Kayla by using her family’s Bible during the ceremony in Washington, D.C. He was joined by his family and Kayla's parents, Carl and Marsha Mueller.

In August 2025, Congressman Hamadeh made an unprecedented trip from Jerusalem to Damascus to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani to discuss the Congressman's continuing eﬀorts to bring Kayla’s body home and advance the Peace Through Strength agenda.

“Operation Inherent Resolve demanded both military force and humanitarian resolve, and this designation recognizes the distinct, yet complementary roles our beloved Arizonans played in that effort,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “We can never forget the victims of ISIS and these two Americans that faced that evil with faith and courage.”

[1] Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve transfers command to Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Lambert | Operation Inherent Resolve

Congressman Hamadeh Urges Secretary Doug Collins to Implement Veterans Community Care Program Audit Findings

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) joined Congressman Paul Gosar (AZ-09) in urging Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins to implement recommendations from a recent Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit identifying significant deficiencies in the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP).

Congressman Gosar urged Secretary Collins and Acting Undersecretary Figueroa to take action in a letter following the OIG's Audit of Veterans' Community Care Eligibility Determinations, which found widespread failures in the Department of Veterans Affairs' administration of the program.

The audit revealed that nearly one in four veterans referred to community care did not meet eligibility requirements, while millions of veterans receiving care through the VA lacked proper documentation showing they had been evaluated for community care or had voluntarily declined that option.

The OIG estimated that more than $440 million in unnecessary spending occurred during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025 alone due to inaccurate eligibility determinations. An amount that could total $1.7 billion annually if left unaddressed.

“The findings of the audit show that not only are we wasting money, but we are depriving our veterans of the care they so rightfully deserve” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “I have faith that the administration will take the appropriate action to ensure that the recommendations are implemented and quality care is delivered when needed by our veterans.”

The letter encourages Secretary Collins to work with Congress to fully implement the OIG's recommendations, improve accountability, and ensure the Veterans Community Care Program is administered with the diligence and integrity America's veterans deserve.