Congress blocks vote on restricting military funding to Israel after Democratic Party debate

A planned vote in Congress on an amendment to block U.S. military funding to Israel has been canceled, following significant debate among House Democrats. Representative Ro Khanna, a co-sponsor of the amendment, announced on X/Twitter that Congress had blocked the vote, despite earlier indications that the House Rules Committee had approved it for floor consideration.

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It is unconscionable to not even have a vote.

Khanna expressed strong disapproval of the decision, calling it "unconscionable to not even have a vote." He vowed that proponents would not be intimidated by the "pro-Israel lobby" and would continue their efforts. The amendment, co-sponsored by Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, was intended to prohibit funds from being used for Israel and cut $3.3 billion from the Foreign Military Financing account.

Sources within the Democratic Party indicated that the bill's potential to block both military and diplomatic funding to Israel, as written, contributed to the debate. One Democrat described the issue of Israel support as a "controversial issue" with strong beliefs on both sides. The intensity of the internal party discussion was evident, with members sharing their perspectives during caucus meetings.

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We will be continuing on and will not be intimidated by the pro-Israel lobby.

The amendment, identified as #5 (Revised) to H.R. 8595 – National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027, aimed to halt financial support for Israel's military operations. The cancellation of the vote highlights the ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party regarding foreign policy and aid to Israel.

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As you would expect, people have belief structures on both sides, and they certainly expressed that, which is what caucus is about.