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 $380,711 from AIPAC since 2022.

Key Takeaways

  • Ryan co-sponsored H.Res.795 as original co-sponsor on October 8 — committing before the resolution was publicly introduced
  • This is his third October 7 anniversary resolution, but he still refuses to co-sponsor HR 3565 despite 55 Democratic colleagues signing on
  • 64 of 65 original co-sponsors have documented AIPAC funding according to OpenSecrets

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."

What H.Res.795 doesn't mention: The 70,000+ Palestinians killed in Gaza using US-funded weapons. International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Israeli officials. The 94% of Gaza hospitals damaged or destroyed (WHO data). The 886+ healthcare workers killed in Israeli strikes. The man-made famine documented by UN agencies. Any accountability measures for Israeli military conduct.

Ryan's Third Anniversary Resolution

This marks Ryan's third October 7 anniversary resolution:

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.

The Pattern: Immediate Action vs. Indefinite Delay

Actions completed within hours or days:

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

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
  • H.Res.473 demanding humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza — Refused
  • H.R.2411 to restore UNRWA funding — Refused
  • Ro Khanna letter calling for Palestinian statehood (47 Democrats signed) — Refused

When AIPAC priorities align, Ryan acts in hours. When constituents demand weapons restrictions, the timeline stretches into months.

Sources