Jeffries Opposes $3.3 Billion Israel Aid Cut as Democrats Split Over Massie Amendment
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jul 14
Jeffries Opposes $3.3 Billion Israel Aid Cut as Democrats Split Over Massie Amendment
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jul 14
Summary
Hakeem Jeffries told House Democrats he will vote against Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment to cut off U.S. aid to Israel, stepping into a party fight that could reach the floor within days.
In a Dear Colleague letter, Jeffries said the proposal is overly broad because it could block humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, peace-building, U.S. Embassy operations and efforts to confront Hamas.
Jeffries said leadership will not whip the vote, acknowledging members have “good faith reasons” to land in different places after weeks of internal Democratic debate.
The amendment targets the fiscal 2027 State Department and foreign operations bill and has become a flashpoint as progressives push to end support for Israel while other Democrats warn Palestinians in Gaza could also lose aid.
Jeffries also called for a “meaningful change in direction” in U.S.-Israel relations as a 10-year security assistance agreement signed under Barack Obama nears expiration.