Minority of House Dems Vote to Continue Aid to Israel

A House amendment to end $3.3 billion in annual military aid to Israel, proposed by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), failed with a vote of 104-314. The vote revealed a significant division within the Democratic caucus, as only 93 of 212 Democratic lawmakers voted to continue aid, while 103 voted to end it, and 10 voted "present."

• Pro-Israel Democrats, like Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), argued that ending aid would "embolden the enemies of peace" and weaken U.S. security interests.
• Conversely, Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) accused Israel of "ethnic cleansing" and stated, "Israel does not need and quite honestly does not deserve more American money for weapons."
• Notably, 15 Democrats endorsed by AIPAC as "pro-Israel" candidates, including former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), voted to cut aid. One such endorsee, Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), announced he was rejecting AIPAC's endorsement and returning donations.
• Republicans largely opposed the amendment, with Matt Brooks, CEO of the Republican Jewish Coalition, stating, "The Republican majority left no doubt about where our party stands: resolutely with the Jewish state."