House Democrats experienced a significant fracture over an amendment seeking to terminate $3.3 billion in U.S. aid to Israel for the upcoming fiscal year. The measure, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., was ultimately rejected by a vote of 104-313, marking the first time this Congress lawmakers had a direct vote on taxpayer-funded assistance to the Jewish state.
The vote exposed diverging stances within the party, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., opposing the amendment, while second-ranking Democrat Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., supported it. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., also opposed the measure. Ten Democrats voted "present."
Massie, a prominent critic of Israel, was the sole Republican to back the amendment. Opponents argued that cutting aid would damage a crucial U.S. relationship in the Middle East during ongoing conflicts and impede Israel's ability to counter groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., stated that threats against Israel also pose a direct threat to the United States, and providing Israel with the means to eliminate these threats enhances American safety. He also noted that a significant portion of the aid is used to purchase American-made weaponry, thereby supporting the U.S. industrial base.
Former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., criticized the amendment, stating it would "embolden the enemies of peace, those pursuing the complete elimination of Israel and those who seek the death of Jews."
Jeffries explained his opposition in a "Dear Colleague" letter, arguing that the amendment was "overly broad" and could limit funds for longstanding humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, peace-building initiatives, and U.S. Embassy operations. However, he added that U.S. policy toward Israel must change.
Clark and a number of Democrats disagreed, citing the war in Gaza as a reason to end financial support. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, asserted that Congress must "use our leverage" to change Israel's behavior and that the American public does not support providing more weapons. The amendment did not distinguish between military and non-military aid.
Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, called the amendment "really bad for our ally, for our national security" and suggested Republicans introduced it to highlight divisions within the Democratic party.
The vote occurs amid a noticeable shift in Democratic attitudes toward Israel. Polling indicates a growing sympathy for Gaza among Democratic voters. In New York's June primaries, several progressive candidates who campaigned on opposition to Israel defeated establishment-aligned opponents.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., predicted significant support for Massie's amendment, suggesting the issue transcends ideological lines and affects a broad spectrum of voters. "I think this is affecting people all across the board," she told Fox News.