Story perspectives

House Defeats Massie's Bid to Block $3.3 B Israel Aid

7/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

House rejected Rep. Thomas Massie's amendment to block $3.3 billion in aid to Israel, voting 314-104.
It was the only Republican-sponsored measure and was backed only by Massie, who had just lost his primary.
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar opposed it, while Whip Katherine Clark voted for it.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Ayanna Pressley and a dozen Democrats endorsed the amendment, indicating a growing anti-Israel faction.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 Yom Kippur War prompted Operation Nickel Grass, a U.S. airlift that delivered about 22,000 tons of materiel and a $2.2 billion emergency aid package approved by Congress under President Nixon and National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger. That precedent resurfaces today as the House rejects Rep. Thomas Massie’s $3.3 billion Israel-aid amendment, pitting Democrats such as Hakeem Jeffries against a growing anti-aid bloc.

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Story summary

House rejected Rep. Thomas Massie's amendment to block $3.3 billion in aid to Israel, voting 314-104.
It was the only Republican-sponsored measure and was backed only by Massie, who had just lost his primary.
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar opposed it, while Whip Katherine Clark voted for it.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Ayanna Pressley and a dozen Democrats endorsed the amendment, indicating a growing anti-Israel faction.

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