Controversial Remarks and Silent Support
Most recently, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., made controversial remarks during a CNN interview by declaring people should be “balanced about bringing in the outrages against Palestinians” when asked why progressive groups remained silent over Hamas’ use of rape as a weapon of war. During the interview, Jayapal, who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, claimed she condemned Hamas’ treatment of women and quickly pivoted the conversation back to Israel. However, host Dana Bash pressed her on the issue, highlighting the need to focus on Hamas’s actions directly.
The House Democrats Who Voted Against Condemning Hamas
Before Jayapal, a group of House Democrats primarily consisting of far-left “Squad” members voted against a resolution condemning Hamas’ invasion in October. The resolution, H.R. 771, which reaffirmed America’s support for Israel as it responded to the attack, received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed by a vote of 412-10, with six members voting present. The 10 members who voted against the resolution included Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY., Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., Summer Lee, D-Pa., and Cori Bush, D-Mo. They were joined by Reps. André Carson, D-Ind., Al Green, D-Texas, and Delia Ramirez, D-Ill.
Financial Support and Potential Political Consequences
A review of campaign finance records shows that the Democrats who refused to condemn Hamas’ actions have showered dozens of candidates nationwide with thousands in campaign cash. Far-left progressives have poured money from their own committees into the campaigns of at least 33 other Democrats in recent years, with several receiving over $15,000 from the group. The top recipients of campaign cash from the far-left progressives who refused to condemn Hamas are Rep. Susan Wild, D-Pa., who received over $47,000, and Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., who received $25,000. Other Democrats received amounts ranging from $1,000 to $21,000.
AIPAC’s Response
Many of the members who voted against condemning Israel will face a political onslaught from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) during their re-election bids. AIPAC is gearing up to spend upwards of $100 million targeting “Squad” members in their 2024 elections over their viewpoints on the war between Israel and Hamas.
