Jul 21, 2025, 9:15 AM
Jul 19, 2025, 8:59 PM

House votes down amendment to cut Israel military funding

Provocative
Highlights
  • The U.S. House of Representatives approved a $832 billion defense appropriations bill with significant funding for Israel's missile defense.
  • Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's proposed amendments to cut foreign military funding, including for Israel, were overwhelmingly defeated.
  • The outcome reflects strong bipartisan support for ongoing U.S.-Israeli defense cooperation amidst concerns over threats from Iran.
Story

In July 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a defense appropriations bill that allocated $832 billion for the fiscal year, including hundreds of millions for Israel's missile defense programs. The vote, largely along party lines, saw a majority of Republicans and some Democrats supporting the funding while most Democrats opposed it. Among those opposing was Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who proposed amendments to cut $1.6 billion in foreign aid, targeting Israel and other nations. Her amendments were overwhelmingly defeated, highlighting the bipartisan support for U.S.-Israeli defense cooperation. The bill secured $500 million specifically for various Israeli missile-defense initiatives, including the Iron Dome, aimed at intercepting short-range attacks, and strategic programs like Arrow for ballistic missile defense. The bill's support is attributed to the ongoing threat posed by Iran and its allies, with advocates emphasizing that this funding is crucial for both Israeli and American security. Proponents underscore the importance of these systems as vital to countering threats that not only endanger Israeli civilians but also American troops deployed in the region. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also faced backlash from progressive groups after voting against Greene's amendment, indicating the existing tensions within the Democratic Party regarding foreign military funding and U.S. support for Israel. Despite her opposition to the overall defense appropriations bill, her vote on the Iron Dome funding highlighted a complex dichotomy among progressives, many of whom continue to grapple with their stance on military aid to Israel. Furthermore, pro-Israel organizations celebrated the outcome of the vote against Greene's amendments, asserting that the results send a clear message about bipartisan support for Israel as an ally. Critics pointed to Greene's attempt as an example of fringe ideologies that fail to resonate with the broader political landscape. This entire episode sheds light on the evolving dynamics within U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding defense initiatives that intersect with humanitarian concerns in conflict zones.

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