Summary of SJRES 34

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SJRES 34

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

Introduced: March 10, 2025

Status: Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations made.

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

SJRES 34 aims to formally disapprove a proposed foreign military sale to Israel, specifically targeting certain defense articles and services. This resolution is introduced under the provisions of the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, which allows Congress to review and disapprove military sales to foreign nations.

Key Provisions

The resolution seeks to prohibit the following items from being sold to the Government of Israel, as outlined in Transmittal No. 25–26:

1. Major Defense Equipment (MDE):

   • 201 MK 83 MOD 4/MOD 5 General Purpose 1,000-pound bomb bodies.
   • 4,799 BLU–110A/B General Purpose 1,000-pound bomb bodies.
   • 1,500 KMU–559C/B Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kits for the MK 83 bomb body.
   • 3,500 KMU–559J/B JDAM guidance kits for the MK 83 bomb body.

2. Non-MDE Items:

   • U.S. Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services.
   • 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 defense articles and services if the resolution is enacted. Additionally, U.S. defense contractors involved in the sale and support of these military items may also be impacted.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

• March 10, 2025: SJRES 34 was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
• July 30, 2025: A motion to discharge the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations was made but subsequently rejected by a vote of 24-73 (Record Vote Number: 455).
• July 30, 2025: Another motion to discharge the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations was made.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: Peter Welch
  
• Cosponsor: [Additional sponsors not listed]

Related Legislation

• HJRES 85: This is a companion resolution that may address similar issues regarding military sales to Israel.

Conclusion

SJRES 34 represents a significant legislative effort to exert congressional oversight over military sales to foreign nations, specifically Israel. The resolution reflects ongoing debates about U.S. military support and foreign policy in the region. The outcome of this resolution could have implications for U.S.-Israel relations and the defense industry.