WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives rejected an amendment to eliminate annual U.S. military assistance to Israel on Wednesday, but the proposal drew support from more than 100 Democrats, underscoring a widening divide within the party over policy toward Israel and the war in Gaza.
The amendment, introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky to the State Department appropriations bill, was defeated by a vote of 314-104. Massie was the only Republican to support the measure, while 103 Democrats voted in favor of ending the approximately $3.3 billion in annual U.S. security assistance to Israel. Ten lawmakers voted "present."
The outcome ensured the aid would remain in the House spending legislation, but the voting pattern highlighted a significant shift from years of broad bipartisan backing for military assistance to Israel. Progressive Democrats have increasingly argued that U.S. military support should be curtailed because of Israel's conduct during the Gaza conflict, while many moderate Democrats continue to support security assistance, particularly for defensive systems.
The vote also exposed divisions within the Democratic leadership. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries voted against the amendment, describing it as overly broad, while allowing members to vote according to their own views rather than enforcing party discipline. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark voted in favor of the proposal, reflecting differing approaches within the party's leadership ranks. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also supported the amendment.
Massie, who has frequently opposed U.S. foreign aid, said the amendment sought to end American military funding for Israel. Supporters of the measure cited mounting civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns in Gaza as reasons to halt military assistance. Opponents argued that ending aid could undermine Israel's security and weaken a longstanding U.S. alliance.
The amendment was considered unlikely to become law even if it had passed the House because it would still have required Senate approval and would have faced President Donald Trump's administration, which has maintained strong support for Israel.
The House later approved the broader State Department appropriations bill without the amendment, leaving existing funding for Israel intact as the legislation moves forward in the congressional appropriations process.
