The American legislator pressures the Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives to vote on limiting arms shipments to Israel.
U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez announced that she has initiated discussions with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries regarding a potential vote on the Bomb Ban Act during the upcoming term of Congress, according to the Zrock News website.
Ramirez, an Illinois Democrat and the lead sponsor of the legislation, said Jeffries did not outright reject the proposal during their initial talks and that she plans to.
The bill is intended to prohibit the transfer, sale or export of US offensive weapons to Israel, including shells, bunker busting bombs and precision guided munitions, unless strict conditions are met.
The legislative push coincides with post-midterm negotiations as House Democrats prepare for leadership elections later this month, with newly elected progressives leveraging their support for a bid for Speaker Jeffries to secure policy concessions on military aid to Israel.
Ramirez noted that a growing progressive bloc in the incoming 120th Congress, backed by strategy discussions with Congressional Progressive Speaker Greg Cassar, will give lawmakers increased leverage to demand a floor vote when Congress convenes in January.