During Israel’s last big war with Hamas in 2021, Democrats stopped American government money from going to the Iron Dome more than once.
On the far left Democrats allegedly refused to back a 2021 stopgap continuing resolution (CR) which would have restocked the Iron Dome.
At the time, Breitbart News said that the “Iron Dome protects against short-range weapons and rockets that threaten civilians.”
This initiative has been spearheaded by progressive legislators including Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI).
In previous votes, House Democrats have opposed returning the Iron Dome.
In 2021, Democrats voted in opposition to a Republican plan to bring H.R. 3237 back to the House. The relatively short-range ballistic missile defense system would have cost $177 million, while the Iron Dome system would have cost $73 million, all paid for using public funds under this proposal.
There was one Republican who voted against the bill. His name is Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY).
“Republicans pushed for both votes because they wanted to help the Jewish state during a war. But Democrats have had different opinions on the matter. Far-left, anti-Israel lawmakers like Representatives Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.) along with Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.) are pushing their colleagues to cut off US assistance to Israel and even punish it for what they call war crimes within the Gaza Strip. The party’s leaders have indicated that they uphold Israel’s right to defend themselves.”
“Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) introduced a bill to stop the supply of weapons to Israel. This was supported by many lawmakers and groups that are against Israel as well as people who back the anti-Semitic Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movements. Earlier this week, Gregory Meeks (D., N.Y.), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs body, thought about delaying U.S. military help to Israel. This would be a first for the traditionally pro-Israel body. After Democratic leaders stepped in, Meeks gave up on the plan.”
Even though there were many close decisions about funding the Iron Dome, the House passed overwhelmingly, 420–9, in Sept. 2021 to give Israel’s Iron Dome an extra $1 billion.
