Support grows for US bill seeking restrictions on weapons transfers to Israel
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A year after its introduction in the US House of Representatives, the Block the Bombs Act has gained support from 73 lawmakers, marking a significant increase from the 21 Democratic co-sponsors who backed the bill when it was first introduced by Congresswoman Delia Ramirez in June 2025.
The legislation seeks to restrict the transfer of certain heavy bombs and artillery ammunition to Israel. Supporters say the weapons have been used in some of the deadliest attacks during the war in Gaza.
Speaking at a Capitol Hill news conference, Ramirez said the proposal had moved closer to the political mainstream despite initially being viewed as an extreme position. However, the bill remains far from securing a majority in the 435-member House of Representatives and has not been brought to a vote by Republican leadership.
Advocacy groups welcomed the growing support.
Margaret DeReus, executive director of the Institute for Middle East Understanding, described the development as a major improvement compared with previous congressional attitudes toward Israel, while noting that substantial challenges remain.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib said public opinion has shifted and argued that Americans want greater investment in domestic priorities such as healthcare, housing, and childcare rather than military assistance abroad.
The bill has attracted support from lawmakers beyond its original progressive base. Congresswoman Valerie Foushee joined as a co-sponsor in 2025, while Republican Congressman Thomas Massie added his support this week, making the measure bipartisan.
The Congressional Progressive Caucus has also endorsed the proposal. Its chair, Congressman Greg Casar, said the United States should not supply weapons that could contribute to humanitarian suffering.
The debate comes as scrutiny of US military support for Israel continues to grow. Supporters of the bill point to worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and argue that restrictions on weapons transfers are necessary. Critics and opponents of the measure maintain strong support for continued US security assistance to Israel.