Virginia Senator Tim Kaine has joined a growing number of Democrats raising concerns over the Biden administration's unrestricted transfer of US munitions to Israel. As a member of the Senate armed services committee, Senator Kaine emphasized the importance of congressional oversight in a news release on Saturday.

In his statement, Senator Kaine argued that weapons transfers should not be exempt from congressional review. He stated, "Just as Congress has a crucial role to play in all matters of war and peace, Congress should have full visibility over the weapons we transfer to any other nation. Unnecessarily bypassing Congress means keeping the American people in the dark."

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency recently announced that US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, approved the sale of $147.5 million worth of 155mm projectiles and related equipment to Israel. This figure represents an increase from a previously authorized order for tens of thousands of rounds of heavy artillery munitions.

The agency also relayed that Secretary Blinken determined and provided detailed justification to Congress that an emergency exists, warranting the immediate sale to Israel. This decision was made on the basis that the sale is in the national security interests of the United States, thereby exempting it from congressional review under arms-export control laws.

The statement from the agency affirmed the United States' commitment to Israel's security, indicating that assisting Israel in developing and maintaining a robust self-defense capability is integral to US national interests.

Senator Kaine's statement echoes growing concerns within the Biden administration regarding its policy of uncontrolled military transfers to Israel. The Democratic Party has been increasingly critical of these transfers, including a $14.3 billion package announced in November 2020, which President Biden referred to as "an unprecedented support package for Israel's defense." These concerns stem from the belief that the administration's policy may not align with both domestic and international public opinion.

As the debate over US munitions transfers continues, Senator Kaine's call for greater congressional oversight aims to bring transparency and accountability to the process. It remains to be seen how this issue will develop and whether changes to the policy will be implemented in response to these concerns raised by members of the Democratic Party.