The Unprecedented Bipartisan Support for Israel: A Closer Look at the House Vote and Its Implications

In a striking display of unity rarely seen in today’s polarized political landscape, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 422-6 on July 17, 2025, to reject an amendment proposed by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) that sought to cut $500 million in missile defense aid to Israel.

This overwhelming bipartisan support for Israel is not just unusual; it’s historically significant, underscoring how deeply entrenched pro-Israel sentiment is within Congress. Such near-unanimous agreement—214 Republicans and 208 Democrats against, with only six dissenters—is virtually unheard of, even for traditionally bipartisan issues like disaster relief or national security post-9/11.

The Vote: A Rare Show of Unity

The amendment, introduced by Greene, aimed to strip $500 million from a cooperative missile defense program that funds Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems, designed to counter short-range rocket threats. Despite her push, the proposal was crushed, with only six lawmakers—known for their skepticism of foreign aid—voting in favor. This wasn’t a typical partisan slugfest; it was a near-total consensus, with both parties aligning almost perfectly.

This level of agreement stands out in a Congress where even routine legislation often splinters along party lines. It’s a stark indicator of how Israel enjoys a unique status in U.S. politics, transcending the usual divides. But this unity isn’t a sign of healthy democracy—it’s a symptom of a government compromised by external influence, particularly from pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC.

AIPAC’s Grip on Congress

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is a powerhouse in Washington, wielding unmatched influence through campaign contributions, lobbying, and political pressure. In the 2023-2024 election cycle, AIPAC’s political action committees spent nearly $127 million, making it one of the top spenders among lobbying groups. This money flows to both Democrats and Republicans, ensuring bipartisan loyalty to Israel.

AIPAC’s strategy is simple but effective: reward lawmakers who toe the line and punish those who don’t. For instance, in 2022, AIPAC poured millions into defeating progressive Democrats like Representatives Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush in primaries, replacing them with candidates friendlier to Israel. Republicans, especially foreign policy hawks, also benefit from AIPAC’s largesse, cementing a cross-party coalition that’s nearly unbreakable. The 422-6 vote is a testament to this control—lawmakers know that crossing AIPAC risks their political careers.

Liberals: Rhetoric vs. Reality

Progressive Democrats often criticize Israel’s policies, particularly its actions in Gaza and treatment of Palestinians. Figures like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) have called out Israel’s human rights record, yet when push came to shove, she and most of her cohort voted against Greene’s amendment, preserving Israel’s funding. This disconnect exposes a harsh truth: their opposition is largely performative.

Why the flip-flop? Funding and political survival. AIPAC and allied donors hold the purse strings for many liberals, and defying them invites well-funded challengers or attack ads. Progressives may talk a big game to appease their base, but when it’s time to vote, loyalty to Israel—and the money that backs it—wins out. This hypocrisy undermines their credibility and shows how deeply Israel’s influence penetrates even the supposedly independent left.

Israel’s History of Undermining the U.S.

The U.S.-Israel alliance is often painted as a bond of shared values, but history tells a messier story. Israel has repeatedly acted against U.S. interests, from espionage to outright attacks. Here are two glaring examples:

-The USS Liberty Incident (1967): During the Six-Day War, Israeli forces attacked the USS Liberty, a U.S. Navy intelligence ship, killing 34 Americans and wounding 171. Israel claimed it was an accident, but survivors and analysts argue it was deliberate, possibly to hide Israel’s war moves from U.S. surveillance. The incident was hushed up, but it left a scar on trust.

-The Jonathan Pollard Spy Case (1987): Pollard, a U.S. naval intelligence analyst, was caught passing classified data to Israel, including U.S. intelligence capabilities and Middle East operations. The breach exposed American secrets, some of which Israel allegedly traded to other nations. Pollard’s actions underscored the security risks of this alliance.

Beyond these, Israel’s been linked to stealing nuclear secrets in the 1960s and, more recently, running covert influence campaigns targeting U.S. lawmakers and public opinion. These aren’t the actions of a loyal ally—they’re the moves of a nation prioritizing itself, often at America’s expense.

America First: Why Israel Drags Us Down

The "America First" philosophy insists the U.S. should focus on its own interests, not get tangled in foreign quagmires. Supporting Israel, however, has done just that—dragging us into wars, compromising our security, and siphoning resources that could fix domestic woes.

Take the Iraq War: pushed by neocons with ties to Israel, it cost trillions and thousands of American lives, all to reshape the Middle East in ways that benefited Israeli security, not ours. The $3.8 billion we send Israel yearly—including the $500 million Greene targeted—could rebuild bridges, fund healthcare, or cut debt. Instead, it props up a wealthy nation that doesn’t hesitate to spy on us or stage false flags, like the alleged USS Liberty attack.

This alliance also alienates us from other Middle East players, fueling anti-American sentiment and instability. If "America First" means anything, it’s time to ask: what do we gain from this lopsided relationship?

Time to Break Free

The 422-6 vote isn’t a triumph of bipartisanship—it’s a red flag. Our government’s near-unanimous support for Israel, driven by AIPAC’s money and pressure, shows how compromised Congress has become. Liberals play both sides, decrying Israel’s actions while voting to fund them, all to keep the cash flowing. Meanwhile, Israel’s track record—spying, attacking our ships, dragging us into conflicts—proves it’s no true ally.

To get America back on track, we need an "America First" reset. That means slashing Israel’s leash, redirecting funds home, and refusing to be pawns in their wars. Our sovereignty and prosperity demand it. Anything less is a betrayal of the American people.