SJRES 33119th CongressIn Committee

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services.

Introduced: Mar 10, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This is a Senate joint resolution (S.J. Res. 33) introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders that would prohibit the United States from approving or implementing a proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel described in Transmittal No. 25-34. The sale in question would include Major Defense Equipment (MDE) such as 35,529 bomb bodies (MK 84 or BLU-117 General Purpose bombs, or a combination) and 4,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads, along with non-MDE items and related logistics and support services. The resolution uses the Arms Export Control Act’s congressional disapproval mechanism, meaning if enacted, the sale would be blocked unless the Congress changes course or the President signs a different decision. In short, this bill seeks to block a specific package of air-dropped munitions and associated support tied to Israel, asserting Congressional disapproval under the AECA. It would require passage by both chambers and the President’s signature (or possible override of a veto) to become law; otherwise, the sale could proceed.

Key Points

1The bill provides for congressional disapproval of a proposed foreign military sale to Israel under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), specifically citing section 36(b)(1) (22 U.S.C. 2776(b)(1)).
2It targets Transmittal No. 25-34, submitted to Congress on March 3, 2025, and publicly recorded in the Congressional Record.
3The specific items to be blocked are:
4- Major Defense Equipment (MDE): 35,529 MK 84 or BLU-117 General Purpose bomb bodies, or a combination of both.
5- 4,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads.
6- Associated non-MDE items: spare parts, consumables, accessories, repair/return support, transportation, and engineering/technical/logistics support, plus other related logistics and program support.
7The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 10, 2025 by Senator Sanders and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations; it represents a formal expression of disapproval that, if enacted, would prevent the sale from moving forward under current law.
8The legislative effect would depend on passage by both chambers and the President’s action (signature or veto; potential override is possible but difficult).

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Israel: The immediate recipient of the prohibited munitions package; the sale and delivery would be blocked under this resolution.Secondary group/area affected- U.S. defense industry and export controls: Could affect contracts, suppliers, and logistics providers connected to these specific munitions and support services.- U.S.-Israel defense relationship and allied security policy: Signals congressional concern about this particular sale and could influence future defense trade decisions with Israel.Additional impacts- Regional security dynamics: Blocking these munitions could affect Israel’s tactical options and regional military calculations, potentially influencing deterrence and—depending on how the situation evolves—regional stability.- Diplomatic signaling and legislative oversight: Demonstrates Congress exercising its disapproval authority over major weapons sales, which could affect future FMS processes and executive-branch-led arms transfers.- Operational and humanitarian considerations: If the sale relates to capacity that could be used in specific conflicts, blocking it may influence civilian protection considerations and humanitarian concerns in applicable theaters.This is a proposed joint resolution of disapproval and not final law. For it to become law, it would need to pass both the Senate and the House and be signed by the President (or survive a veto with a Congressional override). If the resolution fails, the sale could proceed under existing AECA authorities.

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