Cantwell amendment to the pending National Defense Authorization Act would say Congress wants an immediate ceasefire, organization of a multinational force to deliver food, water & medical supplies in Gaza

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee introduced an amendment to the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would establish that Congress believes there should be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and create a multinational force that can facilitate and protect delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza.   

Sen. Cantwell’s Sense of Congress calls for:

• An immediate ceasefire in Gaza; and
• Organizing a multinational force that includes international peacekeepers from NATO, major non-NATO allies, and members of the League of Arab States in coordination with local Palestinian civil leaders. The peacekeepers would support:

  • Delivery of food, water, and medical supplies;
  • Capacity building for water, sanitation, electricity, health care, and food delivery systems; and
  • Final implementation of a diplomatic two-state solution.

The amendment is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT).

The NDAA is an annual package of legislation related to national defense and safety that Congress must pass each year. The Senate is slated to consider amendments to the legislation this month, with the goal of passing a bill before the new fiscal year begins on Oct.1.