Bill Summary
The joint resolution is a formal congressional action aimed at disapproving a proposed foreign military sale of defense articles and services to the Government of Israel. Specifically, the resolution prohibits the sale of 12,000 BLU-110A/B general purpose, 1,000-pound bomb bodies, which are classified as Major Defense Equipment (MDE). Additionally, the proposal includes various non-MDE items, such as engineering, logistics, and technical support services from the U.S. government and contractors. This resolution reflects Congress's authority to review and potentially block foreign military sales as outlined in the Arms Export Control Act.
Possible Impacts
The legislation regarding the congressional disapproval of a proposed foreign military sale to Israel could affect people in several ways:
1. **Impact on U.S.-Israel Relations**: The disapproval of military sales could strain diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Israel, potentially affecting not only government-to-government interactions but also the perceptions of citizens in both countries. Individuals who work in industries tied to defense and foreign relations may feel the repercussions of these strained ties, influencing job security and trade opportunities.
2. **Regional Security Dynamics**: By prohibiting the sale of significant military equipment to Israel, the legislation could alter the balance of power in the Middle East. This might lead to heightened tensions in the region, which would impact civilians living in or near conflict zones. People may face increased risks of violence or instability as military capabilities shift among regional actors.
3. **Economic Effects on Defense Contractors**: The rejection of this sale could have direct economic consequences for U.S. defense contractors involved in manufacturing and supplying the proposed military equipment. Workers in these companies could face layoffs or reduced hours due to canceled contracts. Additionally, local economies that rely heavily on defense spending could experience downturns, affecting jobs and local businesses tied to the defense industry.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 138 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. J. RES. 138
Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign
military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles
and services.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 19, 2026
Mr. Sanders (for himself, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Merkley, and Mr. Welch)
introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
JOINT RESOLUTION
Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign
military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles
and services.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That the following proposed
foreign military sale to the Government of Israel is prohibited:
(1) The sale of the following defense articles and services
described in Transmittal No. 26-32, submitted to Congress
pursuant to section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act (22
U.S.C. 2776(b)(1)) and published in the Congressional Record on
March 12, 2026: Major Defense Equipment (MDE): Twelve thousand
(12,000) BLU-110A/B general purpose, 1,000-pound bomb bodies.
Non-MDE: The following non-MDE items will also be included:
U.S. Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and
technical support services; and other related elements of
logistics and program support.
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