Congress moves to block artillery shell sale to Israel
S.J.Res. 20 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services. · Filed by Bernie Sanders (I-VT) · Introduced Feb 20, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This joint resolution would block a proposed U.S. military sale to Israel of 10,000 artillery shell components (fuzes, primers, and charges for 155mm ammunition). The sale was formally notified to Congress under the Arms Export Control Act. If passed, it would prevent the delivery of these munitions and related services.
Why we flagged it
This is a straightforward congressional disapproval resolution under the Arms Export Control Act. It exercises Congress's statutory authority to block a specific proposed military sale by simple majority vote, with no hidden mechanisms or riders.
What the text implies
- If passed, this resolution would establish a precedent for congressional disapproval of military aid to Israel, potentially emboldening future similar resolutions and shifting the balance of power over foreign military sales from the executive to Congress.
- The resolution targets a specific munitions shipment but does not address ongoing military aid or previously approved sales, creating a narrow intervention that may be perceived as symbolic rather than substantive.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who it affects
The bill restricts U.S. military aid to a foreign government, which some citizens view as a check on executive power and foreign military spending; others view it as constraining U.S.