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House Democrats split nearly evenly on a Wednesday amendment to cut off U.S. aid to Israel, showcasing how the contentious issue is reshaping the political dynamics in the party.
The amendment spearheaded by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) was always presumed to be a doomed show vote, but provided a test for Democrats who have been increasingly under pressure from the activist base over Israel.
The amendment failed 104-314-10, with 103 Democrats voted in favor, 98 Democrats voting against, and 10 voting present. Massie was the only Republican who supported the amendment.
Democratic leaders were split on the vote, too, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffires (D-N.Y.) and House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) opposing the amendment and House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) voting for it. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) also voted for the amendment.
The amendment to the fiscal year 2027 funding bill for the State Department and national security would have prohibited funds from the bill from being used for Israel and reduce the Foreign Military Financing Program by $3.3 billion, matching the amount that would be designated for Israel.
Jeffries wrote in a “Dear Colleague” letter explaining his intention to vote against the bill on Tuesday that the amendment was “overly broad,” and “prohibits or would limit the use of funds for longstanding initiatives related to humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, peace-building and U.S. Embassy operations.”
“In my view, there are more decisive ways to achieve the urgent change necessary when it comes to the far-right Netanyahu government. Republican leaders are desperately trying to weaponize an amendment they do not support for nakedly partisan reasons,” Jeffries said.
In her own statement on Wednesday, Clark agreed that the amendment was “overly broad” and an attempt by Republicans to “score cheap political points.” But she came to a far different conclusion on her ultimate vote.
“However, 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 U.S. law, interests, and values,” Clark said. “The Netanyahu government has failed to meet that standard. I will be voting yes, not because I agree with the entirety of the amendment, or the GOP’s cynical motivations for its consideration, but because I believe we must change course.”
Pelosi noted in a statement that she has been “committed to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and supportive of a two-state solution,” but that the amendment “presents an unfortunate choice to the House.”
“For the good of the Israeli people and the Palestinian people, it clear that U.S. policy must change” to attain “a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” Pelosi said.
“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, and the Netanyahu government cannot maintain its current course. Therefore, while this amendment is ill-conceived, I vote yes for the message that it sends,” Pelosi said.
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