Jack Schlossberg Backs Arms Restriction Bill as Congressional Support for Israel Weapons Limits Expands

Jack Schlossberg, the Kennedy family member and social media influencer running for Congress in Manhattan, announced support for legislation that would impose restrictions on weapons sales to Israel, reversing his earlier position on the contentious measure. The Block the Bombs Act has gained backing from 73 Democratic lawmakers, up from just 21 co-sponsors roughly one year ago, signaling a notable shift in Congressional attitudes toward unconditional military aid to Israel.

Schlossberg's Position Shift

During a debate on Tuesday evening in New York City, Schlossberg committed to voting for the Block the Bombs Act "as of today," framing the decision as a response to a moral question facing the country. His endorsement marks a departure from a January questionnaire response in which he stated he was "unsure" about supporting the bill, contending it would not create a pathway toward regional peace and stability.

The 33-year-old candidate, who is competing to succeed retiring Representative Jerry Nadler in a heavily Jewish district, has maintained inconsistent positions on Israel military assistance throughout his campaign. While publicly opposing future weapons sales to Israel, Schlossberg had previously stated privately that he supports continuing U.S. funding for Israel's Iron Dome missile-defense system. At Tuesday's debate, he reiterated this position, describing it as necessary to protect civilian lives in the region.

Growing Legislative Momentum

The Block the Bombs Act reflects a dramatic expansion in Congressional willingness to challenge decades of near-unanimous bipartisan support for Israel. The measure currently has 73 Democratic co-sponsors, a figure that advocates describe as historic progress. However, the bill remains far from a majority in the 435-member House of Representatives and has been blocked from floor consideration by Republican leadership.

A recent survey by the Institute for Global Affairs found that only 16 percent of American respondents believe the United States "should keep supplying Israel with weapons without new restrictions," suggesting that Congressional support increasingly lags behind public sentiment. Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, who introduced the legislation, emphasized that the bill has transitioned from being viewed as extreme to becoming mainstream among Democratic lawmakers. She cited multiple Israeli military campaigns across the Middle East, including operations in Lebanon and ongoing military actions in Gaza despite a ceasefire agreement, as justification for the restriction measures.

Among Schlossberg's primary rivals in the Manhattan race—state Assemblymembers Micah Lasher and Alex Bores, and former attorney George Conway—none expressed support for the Block the Bombs Act during the debate, underscoring the division within the Democratic field on Israel policy.