Floor SpeechBipartisan2026-04-15

WEAPONS SALES

TaxesForeign PolicyIsraelTrade

Context

On 2026-04-15, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) delivered a floor speech titled "WEAPONS SALES" in the Senate. The speech addressed taxes and also covered foreign policy, Israel. It referenced legislation: S1774.

Full Text

WEAPONS SALES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026) [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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WEAPONS SALES Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026) [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. ____________________