Key facts
- Aipac has stopped accepting campaign contributions for 15 House Democrats.
- The Democrats supported an amendment to cut US military aid to Israel.
- The amendment, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie, was defeated.
- House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark was among the lawmakers affected.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), a prominent pro-Israel lobbying organization, has ceased accepting campaign contributions for 15 House Democrats. This action follows their vote on an amendment seeking to halt all U.S. military aid to Israel. The amendment, proposed by Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie as part of a State Department spending bill, was ultimately defeated with a vote of 314 to 104. However, it garnered support from 103 House Democrats, representing nearly half of the Democratic caucus, and only one Republican. By Friday, campaign donation links for the 15 affected lawmakers were reportedly removed from Aipac's website. Among those impacted is House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, who had stated prior to the vote that military aid should not be provided unconditionally to any country that fails to comply with U.S. law, interests, and values. An Aipac spokesperson expressed appreciation for representatives who uphold principles and disappointment in those who do not. Massie's amendment aimed to block $3.3 billion in annual security assistance to Israel.