Ryan Tells Doctors He's "Getting There" on Arms Embargo After Months of Pressure

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Pat Ryan told Hudson Valley constituents on September 10 that he is "getting there" on co-sponsoring the Block the Bombs Act but refused to commit to a timeline, despite 366 petition signatures delivered to his office—210 from his own district—and 47 Democratic colleagues already supporting the legislation at that time.

The exchange occurred during an unscheduled hallway conversation outside Ryan's congressional office after his staff declined to meet with members of Doctors Against Genocide, a national physicians' organization conducting monthly advocacy visits to Capitol Hill. The group included local Hudson Valley residents who had been told repeatedly in previous meetings that Ryan "needed to hear from more constituents."

The Hallway Confrontation

Doctors Against Genocide organizes monthly advocacy days in Washington when members schedule meetings with their representatives. The group had met with Ryan's staff two or three times over the previous seven months regarding HR 3565, accompanied by local Hudson Valley constituents. Staff consistently responded that Ryan needed to hear from more constituents before taking a position.

Local peace advocacy groups mobilized to collect petition signatures. Before the September 10 visit, the delegation contacted Ryan's office by email and phone to request a meeting. They were told Ryan was unavailable.

When the group arrived for a "drop-by" visit to deliver the petition and materials, they were told no staff were available. They left the documents and prepared to leave.

While standing in the hallway outside Ryan's office, delegation members noticed Ryan himself walking away from the group.

The Doctors Against Genocide delegation, including Hudson Valley residents, approached Ryan in the hallway

Members of Doctors Against Genocide approached Ryan and introduced themselves. They informed him that 366 people had signed their petition urging him to co-sponsor HR 3565, and that at least 210 were his constituents. They asked directly if he would commit to co-sponsoring the bill, noting that 47 other Democratic representatives had done so.

When delegation members asked what it would take for him to "get there," Ryan pivoted to criticizing Netanyahu's leadership rather than addressing the legislation directly.

The conversation lasted approximately 10-12 minutes. Ryan appeared more interested in a separate letter the group brought concerning visa challenges faced by Palestinian medical students studying in the U.S.

Ryan's Communications Director, Sam Silverman, joined the conversation midway through and encouraged Ryan to proceed to his next appointment. Silverman told the group they could continue discussing the issues with him afterward.

Delegation members emailed Silverman one week later but have not received a response.

The Pattern: "Need to Hear from More"

What HR 3565 Would Do

The Block the Bombs Act (HR 3565) would prohibit the transfer of specific offensive weapons to Israel, including BLU-109 bunker-busting bombs, MK80 series bombs (2,000-pound and 500-pound), Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), 120mm tank ammunition, and 155mm artillery shells, including white phosphorus.

The legislation was introduced by Reps. Delia Ramirez, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, and Mark Pocan. As of October 2025, over 50 Democratic members of Congress have co-sponsored the bill, including members from competitive districts.

Ryan's Record on Israel-Palestine

While Ryan told constituents on September 10 that he is "getting there" on HR 3565, his voting record shows consistent opposition to any restrictions on weapons transfers to Israel. He voted YES on H.R.8034 in April 2024, providing $26.38 billion in military aid to Israel. He voted YES on H.R.23 in January 2025 to sanction ICC officials investigating Netanyahu for war crimes. He declined to co-sponsor any of eight Joint Resolutions in 2025 that would have blocked $12 billion in Trump weapons transfers.

The AIPAC Connection

According to OpenSecrets, Ryan has received $279,274 from AIPAC and pro-Israel lobby groups between 2022-2024. His 2024 cycle contributions totaled $174,764. His 2022 cycle contributions were $25,950.

Ryan's voting record shows 100% alignment with AIPAC priorities on Israel-related legislation. He has co-sponsored pro-Israel resolutions while declining to co-sponsor any legislation restricting weapons, recognizing Palestinian statehood, or calling for immediate ceasefire.

What Happens Next

The September 10 confrontation highlights a growing tension in Ryan's position. His staff has repeatedly told constituent groups he needs to hear from more people. When presented with 366 signatures—210 from his own district—and direct pressure from constituents, Ryan offered only "I'm getting there" without specifying what would push him to act.

Over 50 Democratic colleagues have now co-sponsored HR 3565, demonstrating that supporting the legislation is politically viable even for members from competitive districts. Ryan's continued refusal to co-sponsor creates an opportunity for constituent pressure.

The lack of response to the delegation's follow-up email one week after the meeting suggests Ryan's office may be avoiding further engagement despite his claim to be "getting there."