Washington, D.C. — The House rejected Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment to cut U.S. aid to Israel from an annual State Department funding bill, but the vote exposed deep Democratic divisions over Israel policy.
The amendment failed 314-104, with Massie as the only Republican voting yes. A total of 103 Democrats supported the measure, while 98 Democrats and 215 Republicans opposed it. Ten House Democrats voted present.
The proposal would have removed roughly $3.3 billion in annual security assistance to Israel from the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill. Reuters reported that the measure would also have faced long odds in the Senate and opposition from President Donald Trump.
The vote split Democratic leadership. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the amendment, calling it overly broad, while Democratic Whip Katherine Clark voted yes but said the proposal was not a serious debate over offensive military aid. Progressive Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar, also supported the measure.
Axios reported that Democratic leaders did not whip the vote, allowing members to vote individually.
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