Summary of SJRES 21

Bill Number: SJRES 21

Title: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.

Status: Introduced in Senate

Introduced Date: February 20, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

SJRES 21 aims to formally disapprove a proposed foreign military sale to Israel, which includes various defense articles and services. The resolution reflects congressional oversight of arms sales and seeks to halt the transfer of specific military equipment to Israel, as outlined in the Arms Export Control Act.

Key Provisions

The resolution specifically prohibits the sale of the following items to Israel, as detailed in Transmittal No. 24–13:

• Munitions:

  • 2,166 GBU–39/B Small Diameter Bombs Increment 1 (SDB–I)
  • 2,800 MK 82 General Purpose, 500-pound bomb bodies
  • 13,000 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) Guidance Kits for MK–84 bomb body
  • 3,475 JDAM Guidance Kits for BLU–109 bomb body
  • 1,004 JDAM Guidance Kits for GBU–38v1
  • 17,475 FMU–152A/B fuzes

• Non-MDE Items:

  • FMU–139 fuzes
  • Bomb components
  • Munitions support and support equipment
  • Other related elements of logistics and program support

Affected Parties

The primary entity affected by this resolution is the government of Israel, which would be unable to acquire the specified military equipment if the resolution is enacted. Additionally, U.S. defense contractors involved in the production and sale of these military items may also be impacted.

Legislative Actions

• February 20, 2025: The resolution was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations for further consideration.
• February 20, 2025: The resolution was officially introduced in the Senate.

Sponsors

The primary sponsor of SJRES 21 is Senator Bernie Sanders.

Related Bills

This resolution has companion bills that include:
- HJRES 69
- SJRES 26

Conclusion

SJRES 21 represents a significant legislative effort to exercise congressional authority over military sales to foreign nations, specifically targeting a proposed arms sale to Israel. The resolution's passage would prevent the transfer of substantial military resources, reflecting ongoing debates about U.S. foreign military assistance and its implications for international relations.