S.J.Res.136 - Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services

Apr 13

Written By Robert McDonald, Senior Legislative Researcher

S.J.Res.136 was introduced on March 19, 2026 by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). It can be taken to the floor for a vote five days after introduction.

Related legislation: Arms Export Control Act of 1976, as amended. See also previous S.J.Res JRDs

Bill Summary: This Joint Resolution of Disapproval (JRD) would block the sale to Israel of 5,000 Small Diameter Bomb Weapon Systems (SDB-1) worth an estimated $298 million.

Context: March 12, 2026, the Trump administration approved $658 million in munitions sales to Israel under the Foreign Military Sales program, first reported by A New Policy. This resolution targets one part of that package. SDB-1 weapon systems are precision-guided, lower-yield munitions designed to strike targets with greater accuracy and reduced blast radius; however, Israel's use in densely populated has resulted in significant civilian harm and against civilian infrastructure

American Values Analysis: This resolution aligns with American values by opposing the transfer of weapons during an ongoing war in which U.S.-provided munitions to Israel are credibly alleged to cause mass civilian harm and international targeting of civilian infrastructure. Israeli operations have led to plausable genocide in Gaza, potential war crimes in Lebanon, and strikes on critical civilian infrastructure in Iran.

American Interest Analysis: This resolution advances U.S. interests by preventing Israel from utilizing American weapons in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran against civilian targets that deepen U.S. entanglement in a prolonged war against American interests and jeopardize the global economy.

A New Policy’s Recommendation: SUPPORT

A New Policy supports this resolution as continued arms transfers risk deepening U.S. entanglement in a widening regional war and increasing the likelihood of prolonged conflict against American interests.

For more information please contact: Josh Paul, info@anewpolicy.org, (202) 770-0055

Robert McDonald, Senior Legislative Researcher

Robert McDonald, M.A., is the Senior Legislative Researcher at A New Policy, where he specializes in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, human rights, and democratic governance. His work focuses on congressional developments in Middle East foreign policy, war powers, and the historical foundations that shape contemporary regional dynamics, drawing on his extensive academic background in Middle Eastern history and conflict analysis.

S.J.Res.136 - Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services

S.J.Res.137 - Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services

S.J.Res.32 - A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services.