119-SJRES-138 Journalist Public Summary
S.J.Res. 138 would block a proposed U.S. sale of 12,000 BLU‑110 (1,000‑lb) bomb bodies to Israel; a Senate effort to advance the measure failed 36–63 on April 15, 2026, so the sale can proceed absent further congressional action under the Arms Export Control Act. (govinfo.gov)
Headline Summary
A resolution to stop a specific U.S. arms sale to Israel—12,000 BLU‑110, 1,000‑pound bomb bodies—was brought up in the Senate but a motion to advance it failed 36–63 on April 15, 2026. (govinfo.gov)
What It Does
S.J.Res. 138 would prohibit a single proposed foreign military sale described in Transmittal No. 26‑32: 12,000 BLU‑110A/B general‑purpose bomb bodies (1,000‑lb class) and related support. It is a joint resolution of disapproval under Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act. (govinfo.gov)
Why this matters: the sale is valued at about $151.8 million and would add to Israel’s stock of 1,000‑lb munitions during ongoing regional conflict. Supporters of the resolution say blocking this shipment could reduce civilian harm; opponents argue stopping the sale would undermine an ally’s defense against threats like Iran. (regulations.justia.com)
Who’s For It
- Lead sponsors: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I‑VT) with Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D‑MD), Jeff Merkley (D‑OR), and Peter Welch (D‑VT). (govinfo.gov)
- Advocacy groups (example: CAIR) urged senators to back the resolutions to halt bomb transfers, citing humanitarian concerns. (cair.com)
- Backers argue the U.S. should not send additional offensive bombs amid civilian casualties and regional escalation. (apnews.com)
Who’s Against It
- A bipartisan majority of senators voted against advancing the measure (36–63), and no Republicans backed the disapproval votes that day. (apnews.com)
- Opponents say blocking the sale would send the wrong signal to adversaries and leave Israel vulnerable; Senate Foreign Relations leaders emphasized deterrence and alliance commitments. (apnews.com)
- The proposed sale was formally notified by the Administration under AECA procedures, reflecting executive‑branch support for proceeding with the transfer. (regulations.justia.com)
What’s Next
After the April 15 vote, S.J.Res. 138 remains in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; without both chambers passing—and the President signing—a disapproval measure (or Congress overriding a veto), the sale may proceed once statutory review periods and notifications are satisfied. (apnews.com)
Key Numbers
Sources for figures: official bill text and Federal Register notification for quantities and value; Associated Press for the vote tally and date. (govinfo.gov)
Discussion