A total of 103 Democrats voted to end U.S. aid to Israel in a recent amendment proposed by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY). An analysis by the Washington Examiner indicated that these Democrats have collectively received approximately $11 million from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) since the 2022 election cycle. While many of the voting Democrats had not previously accepted AIPAC funds, 48 have sought the PAC's support since 2022.
The amendment aimed to cut $3 billion in foreign aid to Israel but ultimately failed. Notable supporters included Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), who received $1.9 million from AIPAC, and Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-NC), who has taken over $850,000 from the organization but rejected its support earlier this year.
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA) broke from the Democratic leadership to support the amendment, stating her desire to change the status quo. She has received $1.4 million from AIPAC-related contributions. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) also voted in favor, having received over $19,000 from AIPAC.
Rep. Pat Ryan (D-NY) opposed the amendment and announced plans to return AIPAC funds, amounting to $791,782 since 2022. The vote reflects a growing divide within the Democratic Party regarding support for Israel, particularly among its left-leaning members.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) criticized the amendment as overly broad, potentially affecting humanitarian aid and other operations. He denied any discord within the party over the issue. The proposed legislation would have amended the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, canceling $3.3 billion in military aid to Israel, while leaving an additional $500 million for defensive weaponry untouched.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for reducing American aid to Israel, indicating a desire to initiate this process soon. The Washington Examiner has reached out to AIPAC, Clark, and Garcia for further comments.