[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S1774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             WEAPONS SALES

  Mr. KELLY. Mr. President, later today, we are going to take a vote on 
the delivery of bulldozers and 1,000-pound bombs to Israel. First, let 
me say that I cannot and will not abandon Israel. Israel is one of our 
closest partners. They have a right to defend themselves, and I will 
always support Israel's right to exist as a successful and prosperous 
nation.
  As the Israeli people face the threat of missile and rocket attacks 
from Iran and its proxies, that support continues to be important 
today. Supporting a partner doesn't mean that we don't ask tough 
questions, and it doesn't mean that we always agree.
  Our support for our allies must always be about what makes us 
stronger and safer, and we can look at what is happening in the region 
right now and understand that this is not business as usual, and it is 
not making us safer.
  The United States and Israel are fighting a war against Iran without 
a clear strategy or goal. I have been clear that I oppose this war in 
Iran and the reckless decisions being made by Prime Minister Netanyahu 
and President Trump.
  Under Prime Minister Netanyahu's government, we have seen an expanded 
war in Lebanon that is putting innocent Lebanese civilians at risk and 
ongoing violence against Palestinians and their homes being demolished 
in the West Bank. All of this--all of this--has undermined the path 
forward for peace.
  That matters when we are making decisions about sending these 
weapons, including bulldozers, that could be used to level more homes 
and put a two-state solution further at risk.
  I flew 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm. I have been 
trusted with the grave responsibility of using deadly force against our 
enemies. It is not something I take lightly. Neither is the 
responsibility we have here.
  That is the lens I have looked at these two votes through. We are in 
a moment where we have to ask ourselves: Does this bring us closer to 
peace and security?
  So, today, I have decided to vote yes on these resolutions to stop 
these transfers. Our partnership matters for Israel and for the United 
States. I have been clear about that, and I will continue to be.
  Israel must maintain the capabilities and means to protect its 
people. I am confident they can do that today and will be able to do so 
in the future with our partnership, and I will always support that.
  We have to work together toward a future where the Jewish State of 
Israel is secure and where there is a durable peace in the region.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Vermont.

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