Statement of Administration Policy: S.J. Res. 34, S.J. Res. 41 - Joint Resolutions Providing for Congressional Disapproval of Proposed Sales to Israel

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

(Senate)
(Sen. Sanders, I-VT, and one cosponsor)

The Administration strongly opposes passage of S.J. Res. 34 and S.J. Res. 41, joint resolutions that would block the proposed sales of munitions and small arms to our ally Israel.

S.J. Res. 34 would block a proposed foreign military sale of munitions to Israel, including: 201 MK 83 MOD 4/MOD 5 General Purpose 1,000-pound bomb bodies; 4,799 BLU-110A/B General Purpose 1,000-pound bomb bodies; 1,500 KMU-559C/B Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kits for the MK 83 bomb body; and 3,500 KMU-559J/B JDAM guidance kits for the MK 83 bomb body. This sale was notified on February 28, 2025. The Secretary of State has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the Government of Israel of the above defense articles and defense services in the national security interests of the United States. The sale would improve Israel's capability to defeat current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent to regional threats.

S.J. Res. 41 would block a proposed sale of 20,000 U.S.-made Colt Carbine 5.56 mm rifles to Israel. The Administration has taken into account political, military, economic, human rights, and arms control considerations, and this sale was notified on March 6, 2025. This would improve Israel's capability to strengthen its homeland defense by providing better equipment for the Israeli National Police.

If S.J. Res. 34 or S.J. Res. 41 were presented to the President, his advisors would recommend he veto the joint resolutions.