Ultimately, the story of these blocked resolutions is a story of a changing Washington. While the legislative efforts to stop the $20 billion arms sale were unsuccessful in the short term, they have successfully moved the “Overton Window” of what is considered acceptable debate in the Senate. The growing number of Democratic dissenters signals that the era of unquestioned military aid may be coming to an end, replaced by a more scrutinizing approach that links security assistance to human rights outcomes. As Senator Sanders continues to push these measures into 2026, he is not just fighting for a change in policy; he is fighting for a fundamental shift in how the United States defines its role as a global power and its responsibilities to the victims of conflict worldwide. The votes may currently favor the status quo, but the increasing dissent suggests that the conscience of the Senate is in a state of deep and perhaps permanent flux.
