House Democrats Split Over Massie Amendment to Cut $3.3 Billion in U.S. Military Aid to Israel

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced Amendment #5 to H.R. 8595, the 2027 State Department and related programs appropriations bill, to prohibit any use of the bill’s funds for Israel. The amendment would eliminate $3.3 billion in annual Foreign Military Financing (FMF) for Israel while leaving the $500 million allocated for Iron Dome missile-defense untouched. The House Rules Committee marked the amendment “Made in Order” on June 23, setting a 10-minute debate window, but the floor vote has been delayed as Republican leaders stall House business for a second week.

The Jerusalem Post

The $3.3 billion cut targets the FMF portion of a 2016 Obama-era memorandum of understanding (MoU) that provides Israel $38 billion over ten years, set to expire in 2028. Recent Democratic primary defeats of pro-Israel incumbents and a Pew survey showing 80 % of Democratic-leaning respondents hold an unfavorable view of Israel have intensified intra-party debate. Senate Democrats previously voted to ban 1,000-pound bombs for Israel, reflecting a broader shift toward scrutinizing U.S. arms sales.

• Thomas Massie (R-KY) – sponsor of the amendment.

Washington Examiner

• Greg Casar (D-TX) – Progressive Caucus chair, vocal supporter.

Jewish Insider

• Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) – House Minority Leader, has not taken a position.

Jewish Insider

• Pete Aguilar (D-CA) – Democratic Caucus chair, stresses the amendment does not equal a “blank check” for Netanyahu.

i24NEWS

• Greg Meeks (D-NY) – Top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, warns the amendment’s scope is too broad.

Jewish Insider

• Jim Himes (D-CT) – Intelligence Committee ranking member, calls the proposal “way too overbroad.”

Jewish Insider

• Jerry Nadler (D-NY) and Sara Jacobs (D-CA) – criticize the drafting.

i24NEWS

• Ilhan Omar (D-MN) – progressive member supporting a “no-brainer” vote against the aid.

Democrats weigh a harder line on Israel — but struggle with the details

• Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) – Republican leader whose procedural moves have delayed the vote.

Washington Examiner

• $3.3 billion – annual FMF slated for removal.

The Jerusalem Post

• $500 million – annual Iron Dome funding unaffected.

The Jerusalem Post

• $30-55 million – estimated diplomatic funding that could be eliminated.

Democrats weigh a harder line on Israel — but struggle with the details

• 10-year MoU – $38 billion total aid, expiring 2028.

The Jerusalem Post

• Pew poll (Mar 2026) – 80 % of Democratic-leaning adults view Israel unfavorably.

Democratic leadership has refrained from a unified stance. Jeffries said “there’s a lot that needs to happen differently to get to a place where there’s a just and lasting peace.” Aguilar emphasized that opposition or support “doesn’t mean Netanyahu has a blank check” and noted aid “will not go on forever.” Meeks warned the amendment could “cut off humanitarian aid, military aid — all aid for Israel,” while DeLauro highlighted concerns that the language would block embassy operations and cultural exchanges.

Jewish Insider

Several Democrats labeled the amendment poorly drafted. Nadler warned it could eliminate embassy funding; Jacobs called it “overly broad.” Himes argued the proposal is “way too overbroad” and would impede conditions on Israeli conduct in Gaza and the West Bank. Meeks and Smith (ranking members on Foreign Affairs and Armed Services) argued the measure would “not be wise policy” and could jeopardize U.S. strategic interests in the region.

Jewish Insider

• “there's a lot that needs to happen differently to get to a place where there's a just and lasting peace.” — Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader

i24NEWS

• “the Israeli government committed war crimes in Gaza and helped drag America into war with Iran. Americans should not be financing more weapons for Netanyahu.” — Greg Casar, Progressive Caucus Chair

The Jerusalem Post

• “It should be a no-brainer: Our tax dollars should not fund a genocide.” — Ilhan Omar, Representative

The Jerusalem Post

• “I’ve been around a long time, never seen it,” — Bennie Thompson, Representative

• “I don’t anticipate getting many Republican votes on it,” — Thomas Massie, Representative

Washington Examiner

• “The Massie amendment is way too overbroad,” — Jim Himes, Representative

Jewish Insider

Sources differ on the amendment’s impact on diplomatic funding: some cite a $50 million cut, others estimate $30-55 million. The timing of a floor vote remains uncertain, with Republican procedural blocks preventing advancement. No Republican public support for the amendment has been documented, creating ambiguity about bipartisan backing.

Jewish Insider

The House Rules Committee must schedule a floor vote before the July 4 recess. Democratic leaders have indicated they will reconvene the caucus for further discussion, while progressive members plan to use the amendment as a benchmark for future aid reforms. If the amendment fails, attention may shift to separate proposals targeting U.S.–Israel defense cooperation in the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act.

Jewish Insider