No. 2 House Democrat Katherine Clark will vote to cut off aid to Israel

House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), the second-highest-ranking House Democrat, announced her intention to vote for an amendment proposed by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) to cut off U.S. aid to Israel next year. This decision places her at odds with other Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), who plan to oppose the amendment. Clark described the amendment as a "Republican stunt" and "overly broad" but stated, "I believe we must change course" regarding the U.S.-Israel relationship, citing Israel's alleged failure to comply with "U.S. law, interests, and values." She advocated for a new path to security in the Middle East, including increased aid to Gaza, a halt to West Bank settlement construction, and an end to settler violence, while also affirming Israel's right to exist and defend itself.