The House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly defeated a measure that would have cut off $3.3 billion in planned military aid to Israel, but the amendment drew support from 103 Democrats—nearly half the caucus—in a stark sign of how sentiment has shifted against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government since the 7 October attack and the subsequent invasion of Gaza.
The amendment, proposed by Republican Representative Thomas Massie, was rejected by a vote of 104-314, with 10 lawmakers voting present. Massie was the only Republican to vote in favor. The proposal would have halted aid that largely funds Israeli military operations, amid ongoing accusations that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide—a charge supported by some international investigations.
Democratic leadership split on the vote
The vote exposed unusual divisions among top House Democrats. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar both opposed the amendment, with Jeffries calling it “overly broad” in a letter to members. However, he said he would not formally whip against it, citing “strongly held views throughout the caucus.”
House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark broke with leadership to support the measure, stating: “It is clear that the status quo is not tenable. We should not provide a blank check for military aid to any country that does not comply with US law, interests, and values. The Netanyahu government has failed to meet that standard.”
Representative Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the oversight committee, echoed that sentiment: “Netanyahu, like Donald Trump, is a corrupt authoritarian who should face criminal courts—not receive billions more for weapons.”
Progressive push and primary repercussions
The Congressional Progressive Caucus chair, Greg Casar, urged members to back the amendment, writing: “The American people are crying out for an end to US tax dollars subsidizing Israel’s military.”
The vote comes as Democratic primary voters increasingly punish incumbents seen as too supportive of Israel. In New York last month, two sitting House Democrats were ousted by democratic socialists who made opposition to Israel’s war central to their campaigns. In Colorado, longtime Representative Diana DeGette lost her primary to Melat Kiros, a political newcomer who criticized DeGette’s previous support for Israel.
Missouri’s primary next month is expected to be another test, with Representative Wesley Bell facing former Congresswoman Cori Bush, whom he ousted two years ago in a race marked by heavy spending from Aipac-linked groups. In Michigan, former public health official Abdul El-Sayed has attacked Representative Haley Stevens for her support of Israel in the race to succeed retiring Senator Gary Peters.
Criticism and support for the amendment
Some Democrats who voted for the amendment criticized its scope. Clark noted it would also cut humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, including those in Gaza. “This is not an attempt to have a serious and necessary debate about offensive military aid to Israel. It’s more stunts from Congressional Republicans,” she said.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a longtime Israel supporter who previously urged President Joe Biden to halt weapons transfers during the Gaza war, called the amendment an “unfortunate choice” but voted yes. “The United States must be a force for security and stability. The American people are rightly demanding an end to a perpetual cycle of war. Therefore, while this amendment is ill-conceived, I vote yes for the message that it sends,” Pelosi said.
‘A turning point’ in US-Israel relations
Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of the liberal pro-Israel and pro-peace group J Street, said the support among Democrats marks “a turning point.” “Today’s vote reflects the emerging consensus in the party—the debate will no longer be about whether US policy should change, but rather how it must change,” he said.
