Thomas Massie Sparks a Democratic Civil War Over Israel

Representative Thomas Massie (R–Ky.) introduced an amendment to the State Department budget that sought to eliminate all U.S. financial aid to Israel, including the $3.8 billion annual commitment under a 2016 memorandum. The amendment, which failed 104–314, caused significant division within the Democratic party, pitting leadership against a base increasingly critical of aid to Israel.

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar (D–Texas) stated, "the American people are crying out" to stop "sending billions of dollars to a military that has killed tens of thousands of civilians."

Democratic leaders, including House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D–N.Y.), opposed the amendment, citing concerns it would also cut humanitarian aid. Massie, a libertarian, also proposed amendments to cut aid to Jordan, Egypt, and Tunisia, asserting his opposition to all foreign aid and stating, "Netanyahu said he wants to reduce Israel's dependence on US aid; let's start now."