BURLINGTON, VT—Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement on the U.S. Secretary of State’s announcement of a major arms sale to Israel this week:
“For the second time in a matter of weeks, the Secretary of State has approved the sale of tens of thousands of rounds of artillery ammunition to Israel, by circumventing Congress’s right of prior review. This type of heavy ammunition has been used to devastating effect in Gaza, contributing to the death and injury of countless civilians and the displacement of an estimated 2 million people who are facing daily bombardment without access to adequate food, water, shelter, or medical care.
“The war in Gaza has generated immense controversy and concern in the United States and around the world. The President should follow the established procedure of submitting his arms sales recommendations to Congress for prior approval. I join my colleague, Sen. Tim Kaine, in calling on him to do so.
“Congress must discuss the merits of supporting the transfer of lethal aid, which has grave implications not only for the millions of civilians trapped in Gaza who had no part in the horrific slaughter of innocent Israelis on October 7th by Hamas, but also for the United States.”
###