REP. IVEY’S STATEMENT ON VOTING YES ON THE MASSIE AMENDMENT TO STATE DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL

July 16, 2026

“House Republicans passed a foreign aid budget that guts American diplomacy, slashes humanitarian assistance when it is needed most, and weakens the tools we rely on to compete and lead in the world. In this funding bill, Republicans have chosen to offer an overly broad amendment by Rep. Massie that blocks all foreign aid to Israel, including humanitarian aid for Palestinian refugees and civilians in Gaza.

“Although I have serious reservations about Rep. Massie’s amendment, the status quo of supporting the Netanyahu government cannot continue. The U.S.-Israel relationship is important, but it must be reset around accountability, defensive cooperation, respect for international law and a credible path to two states. Despite the amendment’s flaws, voting Yes sent a clear signal that Congress cannot continue treating the current aid relationship as automatic and that American policy must change.

“During the administration of President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, I have consistently voted against additional funding for the Pentagon and the President’s unauthorized military operations. In particular, I have voted on the floor and in committee against supplemental funding for the Iranian War. President Trump and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu have dragged our countries into their war of choice with Iran, and I will not support it with American taxpayer dollars.

“I cannot oppose further funding for unauthorized U.S. military operations in the region while continuing to treat military funds for the Netanyahu government as automatic, particularly when those operations are increasingly intertwined.

“In a 2024 C-Span interview on the Israel-Hamas war, I laid out my thoughts about what needs to happen in the Middle East to secure peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike. I firmly believe that beyond this vote on the Massie amendment, which would not eliminate funding for Iron Dome and other defensive systems, it is critical for the United States to take the following affirmative steps to improve the situation on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank:

1. supporting a surge in humanitarian aid, especially in Gaza, to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians;

2. opposing settler violence and land incursions in the West Bank, and supporting the criminal prosecution of anyone committing violent acts;

3. continuing to support a secure state for both Israelis and Palestinians, assisted by the United States, Arab states and European allies; and

4. supporting an extended effort to rebuild Gaza in coordination with our Arab partners and European allies — essentially a Marshall Plan 2.0, adapted to the current realities in the region.

“Therefore, after much deliberation, I voted Yes on the Massie amendment. My commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship and to a two-state solution—an independent, viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel—remains ironclad.”

Issues: Congress