The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed Senator Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks’ votes in favor of S Res. 32 and 138 introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders to block $660 million dollars in arms sales to Israel.
The United States Senate voted on two joint resolutions of disapproval introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders to block U.S. weapons transfers including a $150 million sale of 1,000-pound bombs and a $300 million sale of bulldozers used in military operations across Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon.
The measures failed by votes of 36-63 and 40-59, respectively, but the vote totals mark a historically significant increase in support for blocking arms to Israel compared to July 2025, when only 27 Democrats voted in favor of the JRD’s.
SEE: Senate Democrats Issue Historic Rebuke Of Military Aid For Israel
In a statement, CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said:
“These votes signal that Congress is beginning to pay attention to the American people’s concerns about endless wars, the failed system of checks and balances in our federal government and the growing global opposition to our country’s illegal actions causing widespread harm. Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks demonstrated moral clarity and a commitment to human rights by voting to block the transfer of weapons that have been linked to devastating harm. At a time when the international community is calling for accountability and restraint, their votes reflect the growing demand from constituents for a foreign policy rooted in justice, human dignity, and respect for international law.”
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.
END
CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com