Senate defeats growing Democratic bid to restrict Israeli military aid – Washington Examiner
The Senate overwhelmingly defeated a Democratic effort to restrict U.S. military aid to Israel. In a 27-70 vote, the Senate rejected a resolution led by Senator Bernie sanders that aimed to block the sale of assault rifles to Israel, amid increasing criticism related to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Twenty-seven Democrats supported the resolution, indicating a growing split within the party, as typically pro-Israel senators aligned with the progressive wing. A second resolution to block approximately $676 million in military assistance also failed, with a 24-73 vote. Some prominent Democrats, including Senator jeanne Shaheen, supported the measures due to concerns about the humanitarian situation, while maintaining support for Israel’s right to self-defense.Republicans did not join the Democratic dissenters, although they have raised concerns about food access in gaza. The votes reflect shifting attitudes within the senate as the Gaza conflict continues.
Senate defeats growing Democratic bid to restrict Israeli military aid
A majority of Senate Democrats voted to restrict military aid to Israel in a legislative push that was overwhelmingly defeated on Wednesday night.
In a 27-70 vote, the Senate rejected a resolution of disapproval from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) that would have blocked the sale of assault rifles to the Israeli government, which has faced growing criticism over reports of starvation in Gaza. Twenty-seven Democrats supported the resolution, marking a dramatic shift in party support as generally pro-Israel senators joined with the left wing of the caucus.
A second resolution blocking an estimated $676 million in bombs and related military assistance failed in a 24-73 vote.
The resolutions reflect a legislative turning point for Senate Democrats as the war in Gaza nears 22 months. The votes were to discharge the resolutions from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, but they effectively served as a test of support for the Israeli government.
19 Democratic-caucusing senators voted for a similar measure in November and 15 did the same in April, making Wednesday’s vote a sign of eroding confidence.
Notably, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the top Foreign Relations Democrat, voted for the resolutions, citing the humanitarian crisis in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denies there is starvation in Gaza as images emerge of emaciated Palestinians.
“I will continue to stand up for the existence of Israel and the safety of its citizens. I will also continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself,” Shaheen said in a statement. “But I cannot in good conscience vote in support of weapons until the human anguish in Gaza comes to an end. That is why I support these resolutions.”
Other Democratic “yes” votes include Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the No. 3 Senate Democrat.
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Three Democrats who supported the first resolution opposed the second: Sens. Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Jon Ossoff (D-GA). Ossoff, who is running for reelection in purple Georgia, quickly faced GOP criticism for the vote.
On the Republican side, lawmakers have expressed concern over the flow of food into Gaza, which has been a war zone since Hamas invaded Israel on Oct. 7, but none joined the Democratic protest vote.
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