Summary of HJRES 70

Bill Number: HJRES 70

Title: Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed license amendment for the export to Israel of certain defense articles and services

Status: Introduced in House

Introduced On: March 03, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HJRES 70 aims to formally disapprove a proposed license amendment that would allow the export of specific defense articles and services to Israel. The resolution seeks to prevent the transfer of military equipment, specifically certain types of munitions, to the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

Key Provisions

The resolution specifically prohibits the issuance of a license amendment for the export of the following items:

1. Defense Articles and Services:
   • Boeing Direct Attack Weapons, including:
     • Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) variants
     • Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) Increment I variants
   • The amendment would authorize the transfer of:
     • 15,500 additional JDAM tail kits
     • 615 additional SDBs

These items were detailed in Transmittal No. DDTC 24–052, which was submitted to Congress in accordance with Section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2776(c)). The communication regarding this proposed export was published in the Congressional Record on February 10, 2025.

Affected Parties

The primary entity affected by this resolution is the Israeli Ministry of Defense, which would be unable to receive the additional military equipment specified in the proposed license amendment. The resolution reflects a legislative effort to influence U.S. military support and arms exports to Israel.

Legislative Actions

• March 03, 2025: HJRES 70 was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for further consideration.

Sponsors

The resolution has garnered support from a number of cosponsors, including:

• Rashida Tlaib (primary sponsor)
• Al Green
• Delia C. Ramirez
• Greg Casar
• Mark Pocan
• Henry C. "Hank" Johnson
• Pramila Jayapal
• Ayanna Pressley
• Nydia M. Velázquez
• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
• Ilhan Omar
• Summer L. Lee
• Jesús G. "Chuy" García
• Bonnie Watson Coleman

Related Legislation

HJRES 70 has a companion bill, SJRES 23, which addresses similar issues regarding the proposed export of defense articles to Israel.

This summary provides an overview of HJRES 70, outlining its purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and legislative context. The resolution reflects ongoing discussions in Congress regarding U.S. military assistance and arms exports to foreign nations.