Rep. Thomas Massie pushes amendment to cut $3.3 bn US aid to Israel

Republican Representative Thomas Massie has introduced an amendment to the fiscal‑2027 State Department appropriations bill (H.R. 8595) that would block roughly $3.3 billion in U.S. military assistance to Israel. The proposal, which targets the core Foreign Military Financing portion of the annual aid package, is slated for a floor vote in the House.

The amendment has provoked sharp division among House Democrats. Progressive members such as Rep. Greg Casar and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez have voiced support, arguing that U.S. taxpayers should not fund further weapons for Israel. Centrist, Jewish‑affiliated, and senior Democratic lawmakers—including Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Rep. Brad Schneider and Rep. Rosa DeLauro—have opposed the measure, warning of broader diplomatic repercussions. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has called a meeting to seek a unified stance, while most Republicans remain in favor of maintaining the aid. The aid cut would affect the $3.8 billion annual assistance Israel receives under a memorandum of understanding running through 2028, alongside the $16.3 billion already authorized since the Oct. 7, 2023 conflict.