Massie’s Anti-Israel Amendment Defeated
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), a leading congressional critic of Israel, introduced an amendment to eliminate $3.3 billion in U.S. military aid to America’s close ally, Israel. Had it been adopted, the amendment would have reduced Israel’s ability to defend itself against what it regards as the existential threat posed by Iran and its terrorist proxies, including Hezbollah and the Houthis.
In advocating for his amendment, Massie disparagingly referred to Israel as the “biggest welfare recipient of the United States.”
What Massie claims is not only insulting but inaccurate as well. He has also asserted that America receives nothing in return; that is also false. The U.S.-Israel relationship is not a charitable enterprise. It is a strategic alliance that has produced measurable benefits for American national security, military readiness, technological innovation, and economic interests for decades.
Contrary to popular belief, much of the military assistance returns to the United States. The overwhelming majority of current U.S. military aid must be spent on American-made defense equipment manufactured by American companies. These purchases support high-skilled jobs, sustain the U.S. defense industrial base, and help lower production costs through larger procurement runs. In effect, much of the funding circulates back into the American economy while strengthening a key ally.
The greatest benefit to the United States is intelligence cooperation. Israeli intelligence services have repeatedly provided the United States with critical information on terrorist organizations, Iranian nuclear activities, cyber threats, and weapons proliferation. Many former American intelligence officials have described Israel as one of the United States’ most valuable intelligence partners. Intelligence that prevents terrorist attacks or exposes hostile military capabilities is difficult to quantify in dollars, but its value to American national security is immense.
Despite the benefits America receives from aiding Israel, Massie introduced the amendment that would, if passed, damage both America and Israel. He was the only Republican to vote in favor of the amendment, joined by 103 Democrats. Because the complete state-by-state roster of “yes” votes includes 103 Democrat members, the list below highlights the most prominent leaders and members of the party’s progressive wing who supported the measure:
- California: Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Ro Khanna.
- Florida: Rep. Maxwell Frost.
- Illinois: Reps. Delia Ramirez, Jonathan Jackson, and Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.
- Massachusetts: House Minority Whip Katherine Clark.
- Missouri: Rep. Cori Bush.
- New York: Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamaal Bowman, and Nydia Velázquez.
- Texas: Reps. Jasmine Crockett and Greg Casar. [1, 2, 3]
For the exact, comprehensive, state-by-state list of all 103 Democrats who voted in favor, you can view the official recorded vote on the Congressional website.
For my fellow Jews, Zionists, and all who understand the potentially serious geopolitical consequences for Israel had this amendment been enacted, I urge you to remember who supported it when you enter the voting booth in November. An informed electorate begins with knowing where elected officials stand on issues that matter. I conclude, not with a threat, but a promise: those who supported Massie’s mean-spirited amendment will be remembered in November by the American electorate which supports America’s only democratic ally in the Middle East.