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House Democrats Divided Over Amendment to Cut Israel Aid
Democratic lawmakers differed on an amendment that would remove $3.3 billion in military assistance to Israel from a State Department funding bill. The measure, offered by a Republican representative, is scheduled for a floor vote next week.
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A Republican representative from Kentucky introduced an amendment to the State Department appropriations bill that would eliminate $3.3 billion in foreign military financing for Israel. Democratic members discussed the proposal during a phone call and failed to agree on a unified response.
Some lawmakers argued the party should reduce support for Israel, while others maintained that security assistance should continue.
The amendment targets the annual baseline of roughly $3.8 billion the United States provides Israel, which includes $3.3 billion for Foreign Military Financing and $500 million for missile defense. The sponsor stated that the change aligns with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's expressed goal of reducing dependence on U.S. aid.
Members of the New Democrat Coalition and several Jewish lawmakers opposed the measure. The ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee said the amendment could also affect aid to Palestinians.
York, a former city comptroller defeated an incumbent representative in a June 23 primary after criticizing the incumbent's alignment with Israeli policy. The winner had accused the incumbent of receiving nearly $195,000 in campaign contributions from AIPAC-affiliated groups.
