Progressive Caucus backs bill to block bombs to Israel

The Congressional Progressive Caucus has endorsed legislation halting offensive U.S. weapons sales to Israel, marking a historic shift as outrage over Gaza’s devastation grows.

The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), the largest caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives with nearly one hundred members, voted over the weekend to endorse a bill that would block many offensive U.S. weapons from being sold to Israel. The decision marks the first time the CPC has endorsed legislation directly tied to the Israel-Palestine conflict and signals a major shift on Capitol Hill as outrage intensifies over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

“The United States cannot continue to send bombs we know will be used to commit terrible atrocities in Gaza,” said Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), chair of the CPC.

The legislation, H.R. 3565—the Block the Bombs Act—was first introduced in May by Rep. Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.) and has since gained the support of nearly fifty co-sponsors. The measure would prohibit the transfer of some of the most destructive weapons systems in the U.S. arsenal, including BLU-109 bunker buster bombs, 2,000-pound bombs, Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), 120mm tank rounds, and 155mm artillery shells. The bill makes clear, however, that it does not target what it defines as defensive systems, such as the Iron Dome missile shield.

In a statement following the caucus endorsement, Ramirez drew a direct connection between U.S. weapons and the deaths of Palestinian civilians. “Netanyahu and Trump are a lethal, unaccountable, extremist duo,” she said. “The Block the Bombs bill is the first step toward oversight and accountability for the murder of children with U.S.-made, taxpayer-funded weapons. In the face of authoritarian leaders perpetrating a genocidal campaign, Block the Bombs is the minimum action Congress must take. I am proud to be part of a caucus of progressive leaders who are challenging policies that destroy life, rob our children of futures, or dehumanize our neighbors.”

The CPC vote, first reported by Zeteo, was described as “a significant boost to efforts to hold Israel accountable for its genocidal war in Gaza.” It comes as international condemnation grows. Just last week, the United Nations Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel is perpetrating genocide in Gaza. Days later, the U.S. vetoed a Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and resumption of humanitarian aid.