Katherine Clark

House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-5th District, said she will support a Republican-led amendment to block U.S. aid to Israel. While describing the motives behind the measure as a political stunt, Clark said continued military assistance to Israel demands a dramatic policy shift.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., introduced the proposal as an amendment to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027. The measure would cut the overarching Foreign Military Financing Program by $3.3 billion, records show.

The proposal was cleared for debate by the House Rules Committee, marking a significant parliamentary challenge to the long-standing practice of providing annual military assistance to Israel. According to the official amendment text, the legislation flatly mandates that no funds under the act “shall be obligated or expended for Israel.”

In a public statement, Clark sharply criticized the broader budget package currently being reviewed by lawmakers.

“This week, House Republicans are putting forward a foreign aid budget bill that decimates American diplomacy, cuts desperately needed humanitarian aid, and further undermines our national security and right to vote,” Clark said.

Clark pointed out that Massie’s measure makes no distinction between types of aid, severely impacting civilians.

“Republicans have also included an overly broad amendment by Rep. Massie that blocks all foreign aid to Israel, including humanitarian funding from Palestinian refugees and civilians in Gaza. This is not an attempt to have a serious and necessary debate about offensive military aid to Israel. It’s more stunts from Congressional Republicans who would rather score cheap political points than lead,” Clark said.

Massie’s amendment aligns with his broader historical opposition to foreign assistance rather than a position strictly isolated to Israel. Despite her objections to the motivations guiding the proposal, and despite pushback from front-line Democrats like House Minority Leader Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, Clark confirmed her intent to vote for the amendment.

“However, it is clear that the status quo is not tenable,” Clark said. “We should not provide a blank check for military aid to any country that does not comply with U.S. law, interests, and values. The Netanyahu government has failed to meet that standard. 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. While Democratic Members will make different decisions on this amendment in good faith, we are absolutely united in our shared goal of permanent peace.”

Clark maintained her support for Israel’s existence and inherent right to self-defense, clarifying that strictly defensive technologies would not be affected by the cutoff.

“Israel has the right to exist as a sovereign, secure and democratic Jewish state. They have the right to defend their people and their territory. The United States should continue to have a strong strategic alliance with Israel and support its defense against governments and proxy groups that seek its destruction. We must continue to support Israel’s defensive systems like the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow and Thaad — which are not impacted by this amendment. And we must fight against the scourge of antisemitism whenever and wherever it appears,” Clark said.

Ultimately, the decision reflects a growing bipartisan discussion in Washington over the conditions attached to foreign assistance in the wake of the war in Gaza.

“There must be a new and sustainable path for true security in the Middle East,” Clark said. “It cannot be achieved without surging aid to Gaza, halting construction of settlements in the West Bank, ending settler violence and upholding the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. We cannot give up on peace and our work to build a better future for all children.”