The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) appeared to have cut off contributions on its web portal to Democrats in the US House of Representatives who voted to end US aid to Israel.
While the Democrats were still listed as “pro-Israel” members of Congress on AIPAC’s political donations page, the option of donating to them was unavailable.
Additional House Representatives on the page do not have donations available, but all except the 15 who voted for the amendment have explanations, either that the Representatives are not seeking reelection or, in some cases, that the Representatives refused AIPAC donations.
The amendment was defeated 314-104 on Wednesday, with 103 Democrats and one Republican backing it.
“We are deeply appreciative of the 314 Republicans and Democrats who voted to reject Thomas Massie’s latest anti-Israel effort and are disappointed by the 103 Democrats who voted with Massie to weaken America and our ally Israel,” AIPAC wrote in a publicly released statement.
Left-wing Democrats are pushing to end US aid to Israel as they campaign in midterm election primaries, while moderate Democrats promote sending money that would be used for defensive weapons only.
Wednesday’s vote would have been largely symbolic even if the House had backed the amendment. To become law, it would have had to pass the Senate and override an almost certain veto by US President Donald Trump, who has made support for Israel a central piece of his foreign policy.
Military aid to Israel and US political campaign contributions from Israel’s backers to candidates have been a flashpoint for Democrats this year.
The issue has also divided party leaders. Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the House Democratic leader, said on Tuesday he would oppose Massie’s amendment, saying it was “too broad.”
But, on Wednesday, No. 2 House Democrat, Representative Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, said she would support it. “We should not provide a blank check for military aid to any country that does not comply with US law, interests, and values,” she said in a statement.
Clark was one of the 15 Democrats to have the donate option removed on AIPAC’s pro-Israel Congressmembers page.
