Caucus considers concurrent memorials urging federal designation of Muslim Brotherhood and review of CARE

Greg Garten, analyst, told the caucus that House Concurrent Memorial 2001 urges the president and Congress to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization. The bill sponsor argued the state should "concur and agree" with federal determinations and cited recent events in Israel as part of the rationale.

The caucus also considered a related measure (HCM 2002) and an associated congressional bill that would direct federal agencies to review and potentially designate CARE (a humanitarian organization) based on alleged linkages. Sponsor remarks referenced prior findings by the Department of the Treasury and the FBI; one presenter said the FBI had suspended contracts with CARE and that other countries have already designated the Muslim Brotherhood.

Members asked why one memorial appears to urge an outright designation while the companion measure advocates a formal federal review; presenters said the bills "work in conjunction" — one expresses concurrence with existing federal determinations, the other urges a formal federal review and action regarding CARE if evidence warrants it. Speakers also referenced the Holy Land Foundation case and Treasury material said to show alleged ties to extremist groups; caucus discussion included caution about drawing lines between national and local affiliates and mention of expected judicial review if federal designation were pursued.

No final vote was recorded in caucus; sponsors said committee work and coordination with congressional measures are ongoing.