Progressive U.S. Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Cori Bush attempted to amend a bill to prevent aid from going to Israel unless Hamas released its hostages and a cease-fire was put in place, which was opposed by the House Rules Committee and failed. The House ultimately showed overwhelming bipartisan support for a $26 billion foreign aid bill providing funding for Israel and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The failed amendment called for a lasting cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, the release of hostages held by the terror group, and diplomacy to secure self-determination for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Hamas, however, has repeatedly rejected offers of a cease-fire that call for the release of hostages held captive since October 7. Cori Bush expressed her frustration by calling the passing of the bill a “death warrant” for Palestinians, criticizing the lack of value placed on Palestinian lives compared to Israeli lives. Progressive Democrats have called for the Biden administration to halt aid to Israel over concerns about the fighting in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis unfolding there, as well as the high death toll of residents in the Hamas-controlled territory. Rashida Tlaib, who has Palestinian roots, has been a vocal critic of Israel even before the failed amendment.
Republicans have largely supported Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in contrast to the progressive Democrats’ concerns. Many have accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of committing genocide as they battle Hamas fighters in Gaza, a claim that Israeli and U.S. leaders have pushed back against. Cori Bush emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire to prevent further loss of life, damage, and crises in the region, expressing fear over the potential for increased casualties and destruction if action is not taken immediately. Israel has recently conducted limited strikes against Iran in retaliation for airstrikes fired on them, resulting in no large-scale damage or casualties.
Tlaib and Bush’s efforts to amend the foreign aid bill to address the conflict in Israel and Gaza were met with resistance and failure in the House, which ultimately passed the bill with bipartisan support. Despite the failed amendment, progressive Democrats continue to voice concerns over the treatment of Palestinians and the high death toll in Gaza, calling for a reevaluation of U.S. aid to Israel. Republicans have stood in support of Israel and pushed back against claims of genocide by the IDF. The ongoing conflict highlights the challenges faced in addressing the violence and humanitarian crisis in the region, with differing perspectives on the appropriate response to the situation.
