Jeffries Rejects Bill to Cut All U.S. Aid to Israel, Highlighting Democratic Rift

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) announced on Tuesday that he will vote “no” on Republican Amendment #8, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY). The amendment seeks to eliminate the United States’ $3.3 billion annual foreign-military aid package for Israel as part of the 2027 State Department appropriations bill. A floor vote is expected as early as Wednesday night, marking the first up-or-down House Democratic vote this Congress on a full-aid cut.

New York Times

The proposal arrives amid a renewed U.S.-Iran conflict, growing criticism of Israel’s “far-right” government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and a surge of progressive activism following recent primary defeats of incumbents who supported Israel. Democratic leaders have refrained from issuing a whip, allowing rank-and-file members to decide individually. The debate surfaces at a moment when the party’s left flank is courting younger voters who view unconditional aid as a political liability.

Jewish Insider

• Hakeem Jeffries – House Minority Leader, long-time Israel supporter, author of the opposition letter.

Bloomberg Government

• Thomas Massie – Republican representative from Kentucky, anti-interventionist, sponsor of the amendment.

New York Times

• Greg Casar – Chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (D-TX), publicly backs the amendment and may rally nearly 100 progressive members.

Washington Examiner

• Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Greg Meeks (D-NY) – Ranking members of the Appropriations and Foreign Affairs Committees, respectively, whose concerns Jeffries cites.

Jewish Insider

• J Street – Pro-Israel advocacy group referenced by Jeffries as sharing his “overly broad” criticism.

Jewish Insider

• $3.3 billion in U.S. foreign-military aid to Israel would be eliminated by the amendment.

Jewish Insider

• An additional $500 million annually for defensive systems such as the Iron Dome is not addressed by the proposal.

Washington Examiner

• The amendment has drawn support from only a handful of lawmakers in prior votes (four Democrats and two Republicans).

New York Times

Jeffries’ letter characterizes the amendment as “overly broad,” warning it would curtail humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, peace-building, and embassy operations. He argues the measure would also hamper U.S. ability to confront Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist groups. Democratic leadership has not issued a formal position, emphasizing that members may vote according to conscience.

New Republic

Progressive members, led by Casar, argue that unconditional aid sustains a government they view as undermining democratic norms and human-rights standards. They call for a “major reset” of the U.S.–Israel relationship, including sanctions for Israelis involved in West Bank violence and a shorter memorandum of understanding (MOU) ending in 2028.

Jewish Insider

Sources differ on the exact number of Democrats expected to support the amendment, ranging from “dozens” to “nearly 100” progressive caucus members. No definitive timeline has been provided for renegotiating the MOU or for any legislative follow-up beyond the immediate vote.

New York Times

• “I will be voting no on Republican Amendment #8.… It is overly broad in that it prohibits or would limit the use of funds for longstanding initiatives related to humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, peace-building and U.S. Embassy operations,” — Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader

New Republic

• “In addition, the so-called Massie amendment would restrict our country’s ability to confront Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations in the region who are sworn enemies of both the United States and Israel.” — Hakeem Jeffries

New Republic

• “Israel has an advanced economy and is capable of paying for its own sophisticated weapons, as the Prime Minister recently acknowledged,” — Hakeem Jeffries

Jewish Insider

• “In my view, there are more decisive ways to achieve the urgent change necessary when it comes to the far-right Netanyahu government,” — Hakeem Jeffries

Washington Examiner

The amendment will be debated and voted on during the upcoming floor session. Its outcome could shape the Democratic Party’s stance on foreign aid ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and influence future negotiations on the U.S.–Israel security MOU.

New York Times