Insider Reports Massive Democrat Revolt On Horizon

When people talk about a politician “breaking with the party,” they usually mean a single lawmaker, or perhaps a small group, refusing to fall in line with party leadership.

Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky is one obvious example. He has repeatedly clashed with President Donald Trump and House Republicans. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has also surprised political observers by refusing to embrace every position taken by the Democratic Party’s progressive wing.

But it is far more significant when party leadership appears to be out of step with most of the lawmakers it is supposed to lead. That may be exactly what is happening with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Politico reported Tuesday that Jeffries announced his opposition to an amendment that would restrict U.S. funding connected to Israel. He explained his position in a “Dear Colleague” letter sent to fellow House Democrats. Yet reports suggested that as many as 150 Democratic representatives could still vote in favor of the measure.

That would amount to more than 70 percent of the House Democratic caucus.

The amendment, introduced by Massie, is unlikely to become law. Its practical effect may be limited, and its Republican support is expected to be minimal. Still, Jeffries argued that the proposal is written so broadly that it could interfere with far more than direct military assistance to Israel.

“As written, it is overly broad in that it prohibits or would limit the use of funds for longstanding initiatives related to humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, peace-building and U.S. Embassy operations,” Jeffries wrote.

He also warned that the amendment could weaken America’s ability to respond to terrorist groups operating in the region.

“In addition, the so-called Massie amendment would restrict our country’s ability to confront Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations in the region who are sworn enemies of both the United States and Israel,” he said.

Jeffries did not offer an unqualified defense of the Israeli government. Much of his letter was devoted to criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership and calling for a different approach to Gaza and the Palestinian territories.