The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today praised 19 U.S. senators who voted yes to limit arms sales to Israel during a historic vote of Senator Bernie Sanders’ Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRDs), a measure that sought to block $20 billion in arms sales to Israel amid its ongoing genocide in Gaza and expanded military operations the West Bank and Lebanon.
While the resolutions did not pass, this marks a significant and growing shift in congressional support for Palestinian human rights.
SEE: Senate Democrats force Israel weapons vote, citing Biden inaction (Washington Post)
In Landmark Vote, 19 Senate Democrats Oppose Arms Sales to Israel (Haaretz)
CAIR specifically commends the following U.S. senators for their courageous votes in support of Senator Sanders’ Joint Resolutions of Disapproval: Peter Welch (D-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Chris Murphy (D-CT) and George Helmy (D-NJ). Senator Helmy voted to block sales of mortar cartridges, but not weapons guidance kits (JDAMS) or tank rounds.
These senators demonstrated a historic commitment to human rights by opposing the sale of arms that would perpetuate the catastrophic violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza and Lebanon. CAIR thanks the thousands of Americans, houses of worship, and nonprofit organizations that advocated tirelessly for its passage. These collective efforts demonstrate a growing movement opposing complicity in war crimes, and demanding accountability for violations of U.S. and international law.
Over 22,000 community members acted on CAIR’s action alert on the measure.
SEE: Join CAIR: Support Sanders’ Resolution Against Arms Sales to Netanyahu’s Genocide of Palestinians
In a statement, CAIR’s Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw said:
“We commend the 19 senators who took a stand for justice, human rights, and accountability by supporting limiting arms sales to Israel. Their votes reflect a growing willingness in Congress to challenge the unchecked flow of U.S. weapons used to perpetuate oppression, violence, forced displacements, and suffering in Gaza and Lebanon. This is a pivotal moment for Palestinian human rights advocacy, and we urge other members of congress to follow their example.”
CAIR also highlighted that the arms sales violate the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), which prohibit U.S. assistance to countries committing severe human rights abuses. Additionally, Israel’s ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza and its indiscriminate attacks on civilians contravene Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act, which forbids aid to any nation obstructing U.S. humanitarian efforts.
Since October, the devastating violence in Gaza and Lebanon has claimed the lives of over 44,000 Palestinians and 3,400 Lebanese civilians, including thousands of children, and injured over 103,000 others. Many estimates place the actual number of those killed at up to over 180,000 Palestinians. The resolution’s growing support signals a critical step toward aligning U.S. foreign policy with its legal and moral obligations.
CAIR urges Americans of all backgrounds to continue holding their elected officials accountable and advocating for policies that promote peace and justice in the region.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com