‘27 Senators Voted to Block Arms Sale to Israel.
Will You Join Us to Say “Thank You”?
Win Without War

(September 3, 2025) — When Senator Bernie Sanders forced a vote on two joint resolutions of disapproval (JRDs) to halt key weapons transfers to the Israeli government in July, a record 26 senators joined him. Here’s why that’s such a big deal:

In early 2024, just 11 senators voted to request a simple human rights report on the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza. Only 15 senators voted to halt a similar weapons transfer to the Israeli government earlier this year. But now, for the first time, a majority of Senate Democrats have voted to block US-made bombs and rifles to the Israeli government, pressuring it to end the devastating military campaign in Gaza.

This leadership is crucially needed as momentum grows to end US complicity in the incomprehensible suffering in Gaza.

We’re not satisfied with 27 votes — not even close — but getting here wasn’t easy. Advocacy from activists like you and partners across the movement helped us build the political will and courage required to reject the blank-check approach to the Israeli government.

To ensure these senators do all they can to secure lasting peace AND continue expanding the group of lawmakers willing to end US complicity in this war, gratitude can go a long way.

ACTION: That starts with two words: Thank you. Can you take a moment to join activists from across the country in letting these 27 senators know they did the right thing, and urging them to keep going? 

For nearly two years now, Israeli PM Netanyahu has used US weapons to hold on to power, drive incomprehensible levels of human suffering, and push an entire region toward all-out war — all while failing to bring the remaining hostages home safely.

But on July 30, a group of senators sent a clear message: It’s time to use US leverage to end the horrific war in Gaza, protect innocent people across the Middle East, and get the hostages back to their families.

27 senators took the historic step of voting against the sale of thousands of rifles that the Israeli government has used to harm and terrorize Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, including Sens. Ossoff (D-GA), Reed (D-RI), and Whitehouse (D-RI). 24 of those senators — Sens. Alsobrooks (D-MD), Baldwin (D-WI), Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Duckworth (D-IL), Durbin (D-IL), Heinrich (D-NM), Hirono (D-HI), Kaine (D-VA), Kim (D-NJ), King (I-ME), Klobuchar (D-MN), Lujan (D-NM), Markey (D-MA), Merkley (D-OR), Murphy (D-CT), Murray (D-WA), Sanders (I-VT), Schatz (D-HI), Shaheen (D-NH), Smith (D-MN), Van Hollen (D-MD), Warnock (D-GA), Warren (D-MA), and Welch (D-VT) — went even further by voting to also block the heavy bombs that have utterly decimated the Gaza Strip in a military campaign that has precipitated a famine.

We can’t let these senators’ actions go unnoticed. Because you know what happens when a member of Congress takes a brave stand like this?

Their colleagues on the opposing side will tell them that they’re wrong or not politically savvy. The weapons lobby will dash off checks to their political opponents. Powerful interest groups like AIPAC will attack them in the press and rally their supporters to fill their phone lines with criticism. But as senators return from August recess in the coming days, we can ensure they hear a different message — one that can steel their resolve to continue working for an end to the indefensible suffering we’ve witnessed.

When members of Congress do the right thing, we need to remind them that we’re with them. That’s how our movement maintains and increases our power on Capitol Hill.

ACTION: Add your name to help us send these 27 senators a message tens of thousands of activists strong, thanking them for their vote and urging them to keep it up as they return from the August recess.

The progress we’re making isn’t happening as fast as we’d like or as people in Palestine, Israel, and beyond deserve, but make no mistake — we’re turning the tide.

It’s time to keep going. Today, the choice between a continued devastating war and a deepening of the crisis OR taking a step toward saving lives and ending US complicity is clear. Let’s keep pushing Congress toward the path to peace and justice.

Thank you for working for peace,
The Win Without War team