Ryan Co-Sponsors Pro-Israel Resolution in Hours, Still Refuses Block the Bombs After 5 Months

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Pat Ryan co-sponsored H.Res.795 on October 8, the same day Rep. Josh Gottheimer introduced it to mark the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. That makes Ryan an original co-sponsor—someone who commits to legislation before it goes public. He was one of 65 members who signed on before most constituents knew the resolution existed.

HR 3565, the Block the Bombs Act, has been waiting since May. The legislation would stop transfers of bunker-busting bombs, white phosphorus, and other offensive weapons to Israel. It now has 55 Democratic co-sponsors. Ryan tells activists he's "getting there" and "needs to hear from more people."

OpenSecrets data shows 64 of the 65 original H.Res.795 co-sponsors have AIPAC funding. Ryan has received $279,274 from AIPAC since 2022.

The Money Behind the Speed Difference

Ryan's immediate co-sponsorship follows a pattern. He was an original co-sponsor of H.Res.771 just four days after the October 7, 2023 attacks. He signed H.Res.795 before it went public. But HR 3565, which would restrict offensive weapons transfers? Five months and counting.

The only co-sponsor without AIPAC money is Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA-7). Other notable AIPAC-funded co-sponsors include Josh Gottheimer (the sponsor), Ritchie Torres (AIPAC's top national recipient with over $500,000), Brad Schneider, Jared Moskowitz, and Steny Hoyer.

All 65 members signed on the same day. That indicates advance coordination with Gottheimer's office—original co-sponsors commit before legislation becomes publicly available.

What the Resolution Says—And Doesn't Say

H.Res.795 spans multiple pages condemning Hamas for the October 7 attacks that killed over 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages. The resolution accuses Hamas of sexual violence, using civilians as human shields, and firing rockets from humanitarian zones. It calls for Hamas to "immediately surrender, cease attacks, and release all remaining hostages" and reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense.

Palestinian humanitarian needs receive one sentence: the resolution "commits to ensuring that vital humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian noncombatants."

Ryan's Third Anniversary Resolution

This marks Ryan's third October 7 anniversary resolution since the 2023 attacks:

H.Res.771 (October 2023) - "Standing with Israel" resolution introduced four days after the attacks. Ryan was an original co-sponsor. Total: 425 co-sponsors.

H.Res.1537 (October 2024) - One-year anniversary resolution led by Gottheimer. Total: 136 co-sponsors.

H.Res.795 (October 2025) - Two-year anniversary resolution. Ryan among 65 original co-sponsors.

Each year, these resolutions are introduced on the October 7 anniversary with large pre-committed co-sponsor lists. Ryan has acted immediately every time.

What Constituents Are Demanding

Over 500 Hudson Valley residents have signed petitions demanding Ryan co-sponsor HR 3565. Five local organizations back the campaign: The Middle East Crisis Response, Hudson Valley for Free Palestine, Mid-Hudson Valley DSA, Veterans for Peace, and Jewish Voices For Peace Hudson Valley.

But 55 of his Democratic colleagues have already co-sponsored HR 3565. The legislation specifically targets offensive weapons—the 2,000-pound bombs, white phosphorus, JDAMs, and tank ammunition that Israel uses in Gaza's densely populated civilian areas.

Under Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act, the US is prohibited from providing weapons to countries that restrict humanitarian aid. Ryan has the legal authority to stop these transfers.

The Pattern: Immediate Action vs. Indefinite Delay

Ryan's legislative record shows a clear divide:

Actions completed within hours or days:

• H.Res.771 (October 2023) - Original co-sponsor within 4 days of October 7 attacks
• H.Res.795 (October 2025) - Original co-sponsor on day of introduction
• H.R.23 (January 2025) - Voted YES to sanction ICC officials investigating Netanyahu

Actions refused after months of constituent pressure:

• HR 3565 Block the Bombs Act - Refused for 5+ months despite 55 Democratic co-sponsors
• 8 Joint Resolutions to block $12 billion in weapons transfers - Declined all opportunities
• H.Res.473 demanding humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza - Refused to co-sponsor
• H.R.2411 to restore UNRWA funding for 5.9 million Palestinian refugees - Refused to co-sponsor
• Ro Khanna letter calling for Palestinian statehood recognition (signed by 47 Democrats) - Refused to sign

Ryan's Own Words, Two Years Apart

In a December 2023 House floor speech honoring Hudson Valley families affected by October 7, Ryan said:

Nearly two years later, with tens of thousands of Palestinian children killed by weapons Ryan voted to provide, he has delivered no equivalent speech personalizing Palestinian suffering. He has co-sponsored multiple resolutions supporting Israel while declining every legislative opportunity to restrict weapons, provide humanitarian relief, or recognize Palestinian rights.

What Happens Next

H.Res.795 has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, according to Congress.gov records. Ryan's office did not respond to requests for comment about why he can co-sponsor anniversary resolutions within hours but needs months to consider blocking offensive weapons transfers.

For Hudson Valley residents who've been waiting for Ryan to "get there" on HR 3565, his immediate action on H.Res.795 shows the delay isn't procedural. When AIPAC priorities align, Ryan acts in hours. When constituents demand weapons restrictions, the timeline stretches into months.