Summary of S. Res. 72 (Senate Resolution)

Overview

S. Res. 72 is a Senate resolution that states the Senate’s position on Hamas’ presence in the Gaza Strip, calls for actions to cut funding to Hamas, and expresses support for Israel’s sovereignty against Hamas and Iranian-backed proxies. It is a non-binding resolution and reflects Senate sentiment rather than enactment of new law.

Purpose and Intent

• Affirm that Hamas cannot be allowed to retain any political or military control in the Gaza Strip.
• Urge the President to employ all economic and diplomatic tools available to halt all sources of funding for Hamas from Iran and other revenue sources.
• Express support for Israel as it defends its sovereignty against attacks from Hamas, Iran, and related proxies.

Key Provisions (as introduced and as agreed to)

1. Hamas cannot retain political or military control in Gaza.
2. The President should use all economic and diplomatic tools possible to stop funding for Hamas from Iran and other sources of revenue.
3. The United States should support Israel in defending its sovereignty against attacks from Hamas, Iran, and Iranian proxies.

Note: The introduced version and the agreed version are identical in substance, with the final text incorporating a preamble as part of the unanimous-consent passage.

Procedural History and Status

• Introduced: February 11, 2025
• Referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations: February 11, 2025
• Discharged from committee by Unanimous Consent: March 13, 2025
• Agreed to in the Senate by Unanimous Consent: March 13, 2025 (no amendments; includes a preamble)
• Legislative action indicates the resolution passed the Senate without amendment

Sponsors

• Primary: Lindsey Graham
• Co-sponsors: Richard Blumenthal, Katie Britt, Tom Cotton

Affected Parties and Impacts

• Affected or referenced actors: Hamas (in Gaza), the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Iranian proxies, Israel, and the U.S. President as the driver of policy tools.
• Nature of impact: As a resolution, it does not create enforceable mandates or new law. It signals Senate intent and can guide executive action, diplomacy, and potential support for related legislative measures that implement funding restrictions or sanctions.

Practical and Policy Context

• The resolution emphasizes cutting funding to Hamas and aligning U.S. policy with Israel’s security concerns in the region.
• It relies on the President’s use of economic and diplomatic tools to disrupt Hamas funding streams, including those from Iran.
• While non-binding, such resolutions can shape debates, inform foreign policy discussions, and bolster support for subsequent legislation or sanctions related to Hamas, Iran, and Middle East regional security.

If you’d like, I can add a brief map of potential policy implications or compare this resolution to related existing or proposed legislation.