Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, the No. 2 House Democrat, said Wednesday she will vote to cut aid to Israel in a break with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
“I think that this is a cynical effort with this amendment to divide people,” Clark said in an interview. “But it is also a chance to say clearly that the status quo is not acceptable.”
“There is no country that should be given a blank check for military aid that is not in line with our interests and values as Americans,” she added.
The amendment from Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) is sharply dividing Democrats, with progressives calling for an end of U.S. support for Israel and many leadership-aligned members warning that the measure is poorly constructed and could cut humanitarian support for Palestinians in Gaza.
Jeffries said that he would oppose the amendment, calling it “overly broad,” but advised members to “vote their conscience” in a private Tuesday meeting.
“As a caucus, we have a united commitment to peace in the region,” Clark said. “I fully support what Leader Jeffries has put out as a proposal.”
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