House bill led by Rep. Casten would limit US defense items in West Bank, Gaza

A new legislative proposal in the U.S. House by Rep. Sean Casten seeks to tie the use of American defense articles in the West Bank and Gaza to certain humanitarian and diplomatic standards, the U.S. Congress reports.

Known as H.R.7645, the bill was filed on Feb. 23, 2026, during the 119th Congress's regular session. The details outlined below draw upon the official bill language and include clarifying explanations of its measures.

The bill bars the use of United States-supplied defense articles in the West Bank and Gaza unless specific requirements regarding Israeli military actions and humanitarian access are fulfilled. The Secretary of State would need to certify every 90 days that certain standards — including support for humanitarian aid, military conduct, and restriction of annexation — are being met by Israel. Further, the measure would create a monitoring group to track U.S. defense articles in the area. Should Israel fail to meet these criteria, future transfers or sales would be blocked. The legislation also promotes the formation of a transitional Palestinian authority in Gaza and encourages ongoing diplomatic efforts, while emphasizing alignment with U.S. policy objectives. The law's effects would last for five years following enactment.

Rep. Sean Casten (Democrat-IL-6th District) introduced the bill, with co-sponsors Rep. Donald S. Beyer (Democrat-IL-8th District), Rep. Becca Balint (Democrat-IL), Rep. Joaquin Castro (Democrat-IL-20th District), and 22 others.

So far this session, Rep. Casten has submitted an additional 35 bills.

Legislation in Congress can begin in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, except for bills concerning revenue, which must originate in the House. Once introduced, legislation is referred to committees where members hold hearings, propose amendments, and debate the text before a floor vote. If both chambers pass the same version, it goes to the president for signature or veto. Congress convenes in two-year intervals called terms, each assigned a sequential number, and meets in annual sessions. The entire process and records are maintained by the U.S. Congress and are viewable at Congress.gov.

Sean Casten represents Illinois and has served as a Democrat since his election to the One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, with his tenure starting Jan. 3, 2019. He holds a bachelor's degree from Middlebury College and received an M.S. and M.E.M. from Dartmouth College.