Senator Sanders’ Efforts to Halt U.S. Arms Sales to Israel Fail in Senate Vote

Three proposed bills introduced by Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont aimed at halting $20 billion in U.S. arms sales to Israel were rejected by the U.S. Senate this week. Despite his passionate efforts and growing humanitarian concerns in the region, the Senate overwhelmingly voted down the measures.

Senator Sanders introduced the three Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRDs) at the end of September, citing the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The proposals were put forth nearly a year after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, which triggered an intense military response by the Israeli government.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 43,000 lives have been lost since the conflict escalated, with large-scale air and ground operations leaving widespread devastation. Currently, more than 1.8 million Palestinians are experiencing extreme levels of hunger, leading the United Nations to warn that famine is imminent if conditions continue to deteriorate.

In a speech delivered on the Senate floor Wednesday evening, Sanders called on fellow senators to confront the reality of the humanitarian crisis. He implored them not to ignore the consequences of U.S. support and arms transfers that may be contributing to suffering in the region.

“I am deeply concerned that we are aiding a military campaign that is leading to mass starvation and untold human suffering,” Sanders stated, urging lawmakers to take a stand.

One of his key proposals, Senate Joint Resolution 111, was defeated by a 79–18 vote. Though the outcome was expected given strong bipartisan support for Israel in Congress, Sanders’ push reflected a broader debate emerging among lawmakers about the scope and impact of U.S. involvement in the conflict.

Joining Sanders in support of the legislation were Senators Peter Welch, Chris Van Hollen, and Jeff Merkley. In a press conference held earlier in the week, the group emphasized that the resolutions were designed to stop the transfer of specific munitions—including tank rounds, water rounds, and guidance systems used in airstrikes—believed to be contributing to the destruction in Gaza.

Senator Sanders expressed concerns that U.S. actions may be violating established laws such as the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act. These laws prohibit the sale or transfer of weapons to nations that are found to be violating human rights or restricting humanitarian access.

“Our government is at risk of violating its own laws,” Sanders said. “Any member of the Senate who respects the rule of law should support these resolutions.”

Sanders has also criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict, arguing that the U.S. has not done enough to ensure accountability in how American weapons are being used abroad. He noted that aid to Gaza has been significantly restricted, despite widespread need and international appeals for relief.

Israel has said that it is cooperating with efforts to deliver food and aid to civilians, but several international humanitarian organizations have voiced concern over the limited access and growing desperation among Gaza’s residents.

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) reports that the United States has provided Israel with over $310 billion in military and economic support since its founding. Of that, roughly $228 billion has gone toward military aid, with significant portions delivered in the past year alone.

In an opinion article written for The Washington Post earlier this week, Sanders shared further insights into his position.

“The amount of aid entering Gaza today is lower than at any point since the conflict began,” he wrote. “The suffering is staggering. But what’s most painful is that much of this destruction has been carried out using weapons provided by the United States and paid for by American taxpayers.”

Though the Senate vote marked the end of this legislative effort, Sanders’ actions highlight a growing conversation in Congress about America’s role in foreign conflicts and the moral considerations tied to military assistance.

While the rejected bills are unlikely to change U.S. policy immediately, they reflect an ongoing shift in public and political sentiment regarding international military aid and humanitarian responsibility. Sanders and like-minded lawmakers have said they will continue pressing for more transparency and accountability in U.S. foreign policy decisions.

As the conflict continues and humanitarian conditions worsen, further debate on Capitol Hill seems inevitable.