Congress·In Committee·S.J.Res. 136

Sen. Sanders Introduces Resolution to Block Sale of 5,000 Precision Bombs to Israel

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed licensing of certain defense articles and services to Israel.

5 days ago·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

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Key Points

Sen. Sanders, along with Sens. Van Hollen, Merkley, and Welch, introduced a joint resolution to block the U.S. from licensing 5,000 Small Diameter Bombs for export to Israel. The resolution was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
From policy text
“Mr. Sanders (for himself, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Merkley, and Mr. Welch) introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations”
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The resolution specifically targets a proposed arms sale that was formally notified to Congress on March 12, 2026. Under existing law, Congress has the power to disapprove certain arms export licenses by passing a joint resolution.
From policy text
“The licensing of defense articles and services described in the arms sales notification submitted to Congress pursuant to section 36(c)(2) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2776(c)(2)) and published in the Congressional Record on March 12, 2026”
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The weapons in question are 5,000 Small Diameter Bomb systems, which are precision-guided munitions. If the resolution were enacted, the government would be legally prohibited from issuing the licenses needed to transfer these weapons to Israel.
From policy text
“including 5,000 defense articles relating to the Small Diameter Bomb Weapon Systems”
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This resolution reflects an ongoing debate in Congress about U.S. military support for Israel. With only four Senate sponsors and the bill sitting in committee, it faces very long odds of advancing, but it serves as a formal expression of opposition to this specific arms deal.

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Impact Analysis

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Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Mar 19, 2026Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mar 19, 2026

Introduced in Senate

Related News

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Anadolu Agency·5 days ago

US Sen. Sanders moves to block $660M in US bomb sales to Israel

Sen. Bernie Sanders filed three Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block nearly $660 million in bomb sales to Israel. The measures target the transfer of more than 20,000 bombs, including 5,000 small-diameter bombs, which were approved by the Trump administration via emergency authority.

The Straits Times·14 days ago

Boeing signs $370 million Israel deal for 5,000 more smart bombs

A new contract for 5,000 Small Diameter Bombs has been signed between Boeing and Israel. The sale is part of a broader package that the U.S. administration expedited using emergency authorities, prompting a formal resolution of disapproval from several U.S. senators.

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