Ramirez’s Block the Bombs Act Endorsed by Progressive Caucus, Second Largest Congressional Democratic Caucus

Washington, DC-Following a vote of its membership, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez's H.R. 3565, The Block the Bombs Act,was endorsed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC). The legislation would withhold the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel and demand Israel's compliance with U.S. and international law.

Endorsement of H.R. 3565 is the first time the caucus has endorsed legislation directly related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, and it is the first time any major caucus in Congress has endorsed legislation to end U.S. funding for the destruction of Gaza.

"Netanyahu and Trump are a lethal, unaccountable, extremist duo," said Congresswoman Ramirez (IL-03)."The Block the Bombs bill is the first step toward oversight and accountability for the murder of children with U.S.-made, taxpayer-funded weapons. In the face of authoritarian leaders perpetrating a genocidal campaign, Block the Bombs is the minimum action Congress must take. I am proud to be part of a caucus of progressive leaders who are challenging policies that destroy life, rob our children of futures, or dehumanize our neighbors."

"The United States cannot continue to send bombs we know will be used to commit terrible atrocities in Gaza," said Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35)."I am grateful to Rep. Ramirez for her leadership on this issue and to the members of the Caucus for recognizing the need to take a stand."

The legislation is endorsed by more than 50 local and national organizations, including New Jewish Narrative. A full list can be provided upon request.

"America cannot and should not go on with business as usual while the Netanyahu government tramples on human rights," said Hadar Susskind, President and CEO of New Jewish Narrative. "It's hard for members of Congress to take this step. It was hard for us as well. That's what leadership is. I am an IDF combat veteran. I put myself in the gunsights of Hezbollah fighters to defend Israel. I assure you that support for this bill does more for Israel's defense than continuing to support Netanyahu's endless war."

Block the Bombs targets the most destructive and indiscriminate weapons systems, such as BLU-109 bunker buster bombs, 2,000-pound bombs, Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), 120mm tank rounds, and 155mm artillery shells. The legislation does not impact the U.S. provision of defensive systems such as the Iron Dome.

Along with co-leads Representatives Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Mark Pocan (WI-02), Rep. Ramirez's bill is cosponsored by Representatives Balint (VT-AL), Beyer (VA-08), Bonamici (OR-01), Carson (IN-07), Casar (TX-35), Castro (TX-20), Chu (CA-28), Davis (IL-07), Dean (PA-04), DeSaulnier (CA-10), Doggett (TX-37), Escobar (TX-16), Foushee (NC-04), Frost (FL-10), Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), Green (TX-09), Hoyle (OR-04), Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Kelly (IL-02), Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), Leger Fernández (NM-03), Lofgren (CA-18), Magaziner (RI-02), McGovern (MA-02), Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Omar (MN-05), Pingree (ME-01), Pressley (MA-07), Raskin (MD-08), Scanlon (PA-05), Schakowsky (IL-09), Simon (CA-12), Stansbury (NM-01), Takano (CA-39), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Tlaib (MI-12), Tonko (NY-20), Velázquez (NY-07), Waters (CA-43), and Watson Coleman (NJ-12).