Rep. Bera Statement on Massie Amendment to Eliminate Israel Funding in State Department and National Security Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-06), a senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees, released the following statement ahead of the vote on Representative Thomas Massie's (R-KY-04) amendment to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act that would prohibit funds in the bill from being used for Israel, including $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing:

"I will vote present on today's amendment put forward by Representative Thomas Massie to eliminate all funding for Israel in the State Department and National Security appropriations bill.

"I have long supported the U.S.-Israel relationship and believe in Israel's right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state. I also firmly believe that a two-state solution is the only path to lasting peace, security, and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Achieving that goal will require a change in America's approach toward the Netanyahu government.

"This amendment is poorly drafted and overly broad. It would go beyond military assistance and restrict funding for humanitarian aid, refugee assistance, peacebuilding efforts, and U.S. diplomatic operations. Cutting these programs would undermine our ability to promote peace and stability in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and the broader region.

"At the same time, I cannot vote against this amendment because I do not condone the Netanyahu government's conduct of the war in Gaza and the resulting humanitarian crisis, its actions in Lebanon, its failure to confront escalating settler violence in the West Bank, and its role in drawing the United States into the current war with Iran. My present vote reflects my opposition to both the amendment as written and the policies of the Netanyahu government."