Block the Bombs Act Gains Bipartisan Support Amid Gaza Conflict Scrutiny The Block the Bombs Act, a legislative proposal aimed at restricting the transfer of heavy bombs and artillery ammunition to Israel, has seen its coalition of supporters expand significantly. As of late 2025, the bill now counts 73 lawmakers among its co-sponsors, a sharp increase from the 21 Democratic co-sponsors who initially backed the measure when it was introduced by Congresswoman Delia Ramirez in June 2025. This growth in support marks a shift in the political landscape, with the legislation gaining traction beyond its original progressive base and attracting bipartisan backing. The bill’s primary objective is to limit the flow of certain weapons to Israel, which supporters argue have been used in some of the deadliest attacks during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Congresswoman Ramirez, a key architect of the proposal, emphasized during a Capitol Hill news conference that the measure has moved closer to becoming a mainstream political issue. She noted that while the bill remains far from securing a majority in the House of Representatives, its growing support reflects a broader reevaluation of U.S. military aid to Israel. The legislation has also drawn endorsements from advocacy groups and lawmakers across the ideological spectrum. Margaret DeReus, executive director of the Institute for Middle East Understanding, called the development a “major improvement” compared to previous congressional attitudes toward Israel, though she acknowledged that significant challenges remain. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, a vocal critic of U.S.#institute_for_middle_east_understanding #block_the_bombs_act #congresswoman_delia_ramirez #congresswoman_rashida_tlaib #congressman_valerie_foushee
Block the Bombs: Support Grows for US Bill to Restrict Arms for Israel One year after its introduction in Congress, the Block the Bombs Act has gained significant traction, with 73 co-sponsors now backing the measure to impose restrictions on U.S. arms transfers to Israel. When Congresswoman Delia Ramirez first proposed the bill in June 2025, it garnered only 21 Democratic supporters. Today, the legislation has become a focal point for advocates of Palestinian rights, who describe the progress as “historic.” Ramirez, speaking at a Capitol Hill news conference, emphasized that the bill has moved from being seen as extreme to becoming a mainstream issue. Despite this, the number of supporters remains far below a majority in the 435-member House of Representatives. The bill’s growing support marks a shift in the traditionally bipartisan pro-Israel stance in Congress. Margaret DeReus, executive director of the Institute for Middle East Understanding, highlighted the importance of recognizing the progress, even as she called for more lawmakers to align with public opinion. Recent polls indicate a decline in public support for unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel. A survey by the Institute for Global Affairs found that only 16% of respondents agreed the U.S. should continue supplying Israel with weapons without new restrictions. Ramirez argued that the bill’s passage is urgent, citing ongoing Israeli military campaigns in the Middle East. However, the measure has faced resistance from Republican leadership, which has blocked its floor vote.#benjamin_netanyahu #block_the_bombs_act #delia_ramirez #margaret_dereus #institute_for_middle_east_understanding
