The Senate recently held a vote where they rejected bringing two joint resolutions, concerning military exports to Israel, to the floor for a vote. Senators Jon Ossoff (D) and Raphael Warnock (D) found common ground on Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 41, but voted differently on SJR 34.
For context, SJR 41 expresses congressional disapproval over a proposed export of $1 million worth of military weapons and parts to Israel.
Both senators expressed their concern for the ongoing famine in Gaza as to why they voted to bring this to the floor.
In an official statement, Sen. Ossoff explained, “I do not believe the United States Senate should acquiesce without objection to the extreme mass deprivation of civilians in Gaza, including the intolerable starvation of children, that have resulted from the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.”
Sen. Warnock declared that he simply refuses to support the government of Israel while the situation in Gaza continues.
“It is wrong to starve children and other innocent civilians to death. Yet, whether through gross incompetence, woeful indifference, or some combination thereof, that is exactly what is happening right now in Gaza under the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu and his government,” Sen. Warnock stated. “It is a moral atrocity that cannot abide the conscience of those who believe in human dignity, freedom, and human thriving.”
Similarly, SJR 34 expresses congressional disapproval over a proposed export of defense articles, including bombs and guidance kits.
Sen. Ossoff voted against bringing this bill to floor and expressed his belief that the U.S. should continue to support Israel with this proposal, because it is constantly under threat of missile attacks.
“Despite my opposition to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s conduct of the war in Gaza, I believe the United States must continue to support the Israeli people, who face the persistent threat of rocket and missile attack and have been subjected to intense aerial bombardment from Iran, Lebanon, and Yemen,” Sen. Ossoff stated.
Curiously, Sen. Warnock seems to agree with this sentiment despite voting to bring SJR34 to the floor. He stated, "I’ve made clear I support the state of Israel and its right to defend itself."
Both senators concluded their statements by reiterating the need for a ceasefire in the region with a call for the release of all hostages and the end of Hamas rule in Gaza.
