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2w ago

Senate Defeats Sanders’ Bid to Halt Israel Arms Sales as 40 Democrats Support Block

The tally signals a party shift toward conditioning military aid.

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Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at a labor movement rally for the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), New York, NY, April 12, 2026. (Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)
Ruben Gallego and Elissa Slotkin, seen here during a hearing in March 2026, were among the U.S. senators who newly voted to block weapons sales to Israel on April 15, 2026. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The Senate on Wednesday rejected two Sanders resolutions to block a $295 million sale of Caterpillar D9 bulldozers and a $151.8 million sale of 12,000 1,000‑pound bombs to Israel, with votes of 40–59 and 36–63.
  • Support inside the Democratic caucus surged, with 40 of 47 Democrats backing at least one measure in the party’s strongest show yet for limiting specific transfers.
  • Several high‑profile Democrats who had not supported past efforts voted yes, including Elissa Slotkin, Adam Schiff, Mark Kelly, Cory Booker, Ruben Gallego, Jon Ossoff and Ron Wyden.
  • Seven Democrats opposed blocking the bulldozer sale, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, prompting public rebukes such as Rep. Ro Khanna’s call for him to step aside.
  • Outside pressure intensified this week, with groups like Jewish Voice for Peace, J Street and allies lobbying senators and police arresting about 100 protesters Monday outside the New York offices of Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.