In a historic vote on July 30, 27 senators voted to block more U.S. arms sales to the Israeli government.
We applaud these senators for taking a principled stand against our country’s shameful role in enabling the mass starvation and genocidal violence against Palestinians in Gaza.
Specifically, senators voted on resolutions that sought to block the transfer of U.S.-made bombs and assault rifles that have been used by Israeli forces to carry out atrocities and war crimes in Gaza.
While these resolutions did not pass, this marks the strongest Senate vote in U.S. history opposing weapons transfers to Israel.
It also marks the first time a majority of senators from either party voted to block weapons to Israel, with the Democratic caucus voting 27-17 in favor.
“The tide is turning,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT), who led the resolutions. “The American people do not want to spend billions to starve children in Gaza.”
This progress was made possible by advocates like you and the enormous pressure generated by ordinary people all across the country.
Yet, while we celebrate this milestone, we know that far more action is needed to stop the horrifying suffering unfolding in Gaza.
This week’s senate votes came as the world’s leading hunger monitor warned that Gaza is facing the “worst-case scenario of famine.”
This humanitarian catastrophe cannot be ignored. We must continue to build pressure and push our lawmakers to use all leverage at their disposal to demand full aid access and an immediate, permanent ceasefire.
On July 25, FCNL and seven other Quaker organizations issued a new statement, stating with moral clarity that the Israeli government’s actions constitute genocide. Together, we committed to relentless advocacy to stop it, calling for courageous and immediate action from the U.S. and all nations.
We invite you to read, reflect on, and respond to our statement using this Tools for Discernment resource.
The time for urgent action is now. Please help us build on the momentum we’ve created together by taking part in our Letters for Gaza campaign.
Elsewhere
Rights Groups and Lawmakers Challenge Inhumane Immigrant Detention
On Wednesday, more than a dozen members of Congress filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration for repeatedly and unlawfully blocking lawmakers from conducting oversight visits at immigrant detention facilities.
Also this week, a new report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) and other experts found that inhumane conditions in the Trump administration’s immigrant detention facilities violate international law.
“The United States has the capacity to treat immigrants with dignity — and the legal obligation to do so,” HRW’s Belkis Willie wrote. “And it has the moral imperative to stop punishing people for seeking safety, family unity, and opportunity.”
60 Years After Medicaid’s Creation, We Must Protect Health Care
This week, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the creation of Medicaid. Shamefully, the recently passed budget reconciliation bill slashed funding for this vital program, meaning many of the most vulnerable in our communities will lose the health care that they need and deserve.
But we’re not giving up. FCNL’s Bridget Moix recently joined advocates at a 60-hour vigil and rally in D.C. to restore and protect Medicaid. Ensuring that every person has the health care they need is “a basic requirement” of the kind of society we seek to build, Bridget said. “A society based on care and dignity for us all.”
August Recess Advocacy Opportunity!
Members of Congress are in the communities they represent during the August congressional recess. Use the resources and actions in FCNL’s recess toolkit to deliver a message to your legislators: Support Strategic Compassion to Secure Peace. Help us reach lawmakers in all 50 states this month!
