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
