The campaign finance arm of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee cut off a fundraising avenue for House Democrats who voted this week to slash U.S. aid to Israel.
As of Friday afternoon, AIPAC had removed donation buttons for more than a dozen House Democrats from its online fundraising portal, despite those lawmakers still appearing on a page listing incumbents who “stand with Israel.”
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) was joined by 103 Democrats this week in backing an amendment that would have eliminated $3 billion in U.S. aid to Israel, exposing deep divisions within the Democratic Party. The amendment ultimately failed.
A Washington Examiner analysis of Federal Election Commission records found that the 104 Democrats who voted for the amendment have collectively received roughly $11 million in support from AIPAC through direct PAC contributions and donations earmarked by individual donors. Many of those lawmakers have never accepted AIPAC money, but 48 have actively solicited the group’s support since the 2022 election cycle.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) joined House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA) in backing the amendment despite each having previously received AIPAC-backed donations. Pelosi has accepted more than $19,000 in direct and earmarked contributions from AIPAC.
“For the good of the Israeli people and the Palestinian people, it is clear that U.S. policy must change to attain that goal,” Pelosi said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Clark has received roughly $1.4 million through more than 1,000 AIPAC-related contributions, according to FEC records.
Clark said she supported the amendment because the “status quo” was no longer sustainable.
Over 100 Democrats voted to end aid to Israel. They’ve received nearly $11 million from AIPAC
“I will be voting yes, not because I agree with the entirety of the amendment, or the GOP’s cynical motivations for its consideration, but because I believe we must change course,” Clark said. “While Democratic Members will make different decisions on this amendment in good faith, we are absolutely united in our shared goal of permanent peace.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) voted against the amendment, arguing it was “overly broad” and could limit “humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, peace-building and U.S. embassy operations.”