Democrats sidestep criticism of Jeffries after split vote on Israel aid

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) voted against a proposal to cut $3 billion in U.S. aid to Israel, despite over 100 House Democrats supporting the amendment. The amendment, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), ultimately failed 314-104. Jeffries had informed his caucus he would not support the amendment but allowed members to “vote their conscience,” a move praised by Democrats who voted in favor. Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairman Greg Casar (D-TX) stated that this vote signals a “massive sea change” in the Democratic Party’s stance on Israel. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) respected Jeffries’s vote, noting, “We might disagree, but that is the beauty of our caucus.” The vote highlighted a division within the Democratic Party regarding aid to Israel, with even House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA) voting opposite Jeffries, though she agreed the amendment was “overly broad.”