US House Rejects Bill to Cut $3.3 Billion Aid to Israel Amid Democratic Rift

The US House of Representatives voted down a Republican-led bill proposed by Congressman Thomas Massie to eliminate all American aid to Israel in the next fiscal year's budget, totaling approximately $3.3 billion. The measure was defeated by a vote of 314 against and 104 in favor, with 10 abstentions. All Republicans except Massie opposed the bill, while a significant minority of 103 Democrats supported it, revealing a deep division within the Democratic Party.

Massie, recently ousted in a primary election backed by former President Donald Trump, argued on the House floor that the US sends Israel "massive sums" of money, more than it spends on homeless veterans, and called for a "diet" in aid. The support among Democrats signals a notable shift in the party's stance toward Israel and its handling of the Gaza conflict. Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar urged all 98 members of his caucus to back the bill, stating that the American public demands an end to taxpayer funding of Israel's military.

The vote exposed fractures in Democratic leadership: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the bill, while his deputy, Katherine Clark, voted in favor, citing a need for the party to change course despite disagreeing with Republican motives. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the bill "regrettable" but supported it for its message. Jeffries, a strong Israel supporter, convened two rare caucus meetings on the issue and called for a significant reset in US-Israel relations, hinting that future aid might be conditioned on protecting Palestinian human rights. He also criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an "obstacle to peace."

The vote occurred amid renewed US-Iran tensions, with Trump framing his actions as protecting Israel. Several Democrats who lost primaries to progressive challengers cited Israel's policies as a factor. Some Democrats criticized the Israeli government's military actions in Gaza, while a few defended Israel, warning that the bill would harm US security and portray Israel as lacking a right to exist. Liberal advocacy group J Street's president Jeremy Ben-Ami noted that bipartisan consensus on Israel support has eroded. A recent New York Times-Siena poll found 74% of Democratic voters oppose further economic and military aid to Israel. Republican Jewish Coalition head Matt Brooks praised the vote, affirming the Republican Party's firm support for Israel.