The U.S. House of Representatives rejected an amendment to a State Department spending bill on Wednesday that sought to eliminate $3.3 billion in military assistance to Israel. The measure, introduced by Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), failed by a vote of 314-104. While the amendment did not pass, it drew support from 103 Democrats and one Republican, reflecting a shift in voting patterns regarding U.S. aid to the region.
Supporters of the amendment, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Representative Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), stated that the vote was intended to signal disapproval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military strategies in Gaza. Representative Greg Casar (D-Texas) characterized the vote as a rejection of an "unaccountable blank check" for the Israeli military. Those who backed the measure noted that the current 10-year security agreement signed during the Obama administration is set to expire later this year.
Opponents of the amendment argued that maintaining the alliance is critical for regional security. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), the House Minority Leader, voted against the measure, citing concerns that its construction could inadvertently impact humanitarian aid for Palestinians. Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) criticized the shift in support, stating that members were responding to political pressure rather than factual necessity. All but one Republican joined 108 Democrats to defeat the proposal.