Today’s Vote is a Wake-Up Call for Dem Leaders Out of Step on Israel
Washington, D.C. — On Wednesday, 103 House Democrats voted to adopt an amendment offered by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) that would cut $3.3 billion in military subsidies to Israel. Though the amendment failed to pass, more House Democrats went on record supporting the measure than opposing it. Demand Progress has been leading a campaign to support the amendment.
The following is a statement from Demand Progress Senior Policy Advisor Cavan Kharrazian:
“Today’s vote proves that unconditional military support for Israel is no longer the consensus position in the Democratic caucus. Congressional Democrats are finally starting to catch up to the American people, who no longer want to give Israel a blank check.
This should be a blaring wake-up call for Democratic leaders. The political tide is clearly turning against unconditional U.S. military support for Israel. Leadership can no longer dismiss this position as marginal or politically untenable. Members should listen to their constituents, stop shielding Israel’s government from accountability and support future efforts to end the flow of U.S. weapons and military financing.
We thank Rep. Massie for introducing this amendment, and Rep. Casar and the Congressional Progressive Caucus for working to build support for it. This broader political shift would not have been possible without the tireless organizing of Palestinian, Arab American, Jewish, antiwar, faith and human rights advocates who have spent years building the public and political pressure that brought us to this point and will continue to move this fight forward.”