Bonamici Statement on H.R. 3565, the “Block the Bombs Act”

For decades I have supported, and I continue to support, a negotiated two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace, dignity, and security. I formed that opinion in 1997 during my first visit to Israel, and it was reinforced through visits over the last several years during which I met with Israelis and Palestinians and heard their stories, hopes, and struggles. I have no doubt that the vast majority of people there want to live in peace.

After the horrific attack by Hamas on October 7th, I rallied with the Jewish community and allies, grieved for the lives lost, and called for the return of all hostages. When the death count in Gaza increased, I called for the United States to advocate for a bilateral ceasefire, return of the hostages, and a surge in humanitarian aid. Because of threats to Israel from Iran and its proxies, I have consistently supported and will continue to support the United States helping to fund defensive systems like Iron Dome and David’s Sling.

Almost two years after that attack, thousands of Palestinians have been killed, starvation is rampant, and much of Gaza has been destroyed. The way the Israeli government is conducting the war has significantly eroded support for Israel in the United States and around the world. I do not support the Israeli government’s current military approach, which is killing far too many Palestinian civilians, many of them children, as well as numerous aid workers and journalists. 

I have added my name as a co-sponsor of H.R. 3565, the “Block the Bombs Act” to prohibit the President of the United States from sending certain offensive weapons to Israel without a vote of Congress and without assurance from Israel that the arms will only be used in accordance with international law. This bill is a call for change, and I see it as a moral imperative that we expedite an end to the suffering. 

As the poster in my childhood home said: “War is not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things.” The creator of that poster was a Jewish artist, Lorraine Schneider. May her memory be a blessing.