Senator recalls Rachel Corrie

Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen opposed an arms deal notified to Congress under the Arms Export Control Act, criticizing the inclusion of Caterpillar bulldozers used in Gaza. Referring to the machines, he stated, “These are the bulldozers that helped raze Rafah in Gaza to the ground,” highlighting their role in demolition operations.

During his remarks, Van Hollen invoked the case of American activist Rachel Corrie, who was killed by an Israeli bulldozer while attempting to stop home demolitions in Rafah. He urged fellow lawmakers to consider American victims and reject the proposed deal, valued at $295 million.

Despite opposition, the Senate rejected the resolution to block the deal on April 16, 2026, with 59 voting in favor and 40 against. Critics argue that accountability for such incidents remains absent, pointing to a lack of investigation into Corrie’s death and other similar cases.