Three progressive Democratic representatives – Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Cori Bush of Missouri, and Summer Lee of Pennsylvania – have formally requested the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to halt its investigation into Spain's refusal to allow weapons shipments destined for Israel to dock in its ports. The representatives argue that Spain's actions are justified under international law and that the U.S. investigation is an affront to a key ally.

Spain, a NATO ally of the United States, declared it would cease arms sales to Israel following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. Since then, Spain has reportedly turned away ships suspected of carrying weapons for Israel on at least three occasions, including two U.S.-flagged vessels. These actions prompted the FMC to launch an investigation into whether Spain's policies create unfavorable conditions for U.S. shipping.

The Democratic representatives contend that Spain's decisions are legitimate measures to uphold international human rights and humanitarian law in the face of the ongoing conflict. They criticize the U.S. government for its support of Israel and argue that the FMC investigation undermines Spain's sovereign right to enforce its own policies. They further assert that Spain's actions do not negatively impact the international ocean transportation supply system.

The representatives have been outspoken critics of the Israeli government's actions in Gaza and have frequently accused the Biden administration of being overly accommodating to Israel. Earlier this year, Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, formally recognized Palestinian statehood, a move that drew criticism from some within the U.S. government.