Two bills seeking to block military aid to Israel were rejected by the US Senate on Wednesday, with both propositions being backed by the vast majority of Democratic senators.
Senate joint resolutions 32 and 138, both introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders in March, were rejected 40 to 59 and 36 to 63, respectively.
The March 10 Senate Joint Resolution 32 sought to disapprove the sale of D9R and D9T bulldozers, parts, documents, and other logistical support to Israel. The bulldozers are used by Israeli combat engineers in military operations.
Senate Joint Resolution 138, submitted on March 19 on behalf of Sanders, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Senator Jeff Merkley, and Senator Peter Welch, sought to disapprove the sale of twelve thousand BLU–110A/B general purpose 1,000-pound bombs.
Seven Democrats voted against Joint Resolution 32, while 38 backed Sanders and another independent. Eleven Democrats rejected the disapproval of Joint Resolution 138, while 34 supported the resolution.
Sanders pleased with voting results
Sanders said on social media on Thursday that he was pleased with the results, as the number of votes that his camp managed to assemble in favor of the resolutions was more than in previous efforts. He believed that voters wanted to prioritize other financial commitments.
“We’re making progress,” said Sanders. “The American people are sick and tired of Netanyahu’s wars. Congress is beginning to respond.”