Cantwell Supports Congressional Acknowledgement of Gaza Hunger Crisis

Cantwell Supports Congressional Acknowledgement of Gaza Hunger Crisis

WASHINGTON D.C. - Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, cosponsored an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2026 that would establish formal Congressional recognition of the hunger crisis amongst Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

The amendment, which was led by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), would establish a sense of Congress that "the humanitarian crisis and acute suffering of the Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the suffering of the hostages and hostage families is gravely concerning," and that "the President, the Secretary of State, and the heads of other relevant United States Government agencies should urgently use all available diplomatic tools to bring about the release of the hostages, immediate cessation of the blockade on food and humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, and durable end to the conflict in Gaza."

The NDAA is an annual package of legislation related to national defense and safety that Congress must pass each year. The Senate is slated to consider amendments to the legislation this month, with the goal of passing a bill before the new fiscal year begins on Oct.1.