Civil Rights Group Says Vote Marks Turning Point in Congressional Debate Over U.S. Support for Israel
The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the votes of Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Glenn Ivey (MD-04) in support of an amendment to block an additional $3.3 billion in military assistance to Israel, while affirming that the remaining six members of Maryland’s congressional delegation who voted “present” or against the measure as being complicit in genocide.
The amendment, offered by Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) to H.R. 8595, received bipartisan support from 104 members of Congress, 103 Democrats and one Republican, making it among the largest congressional votes in history challenging unconditional military aid to Israel.
CAIR Maryland said the votes by Reps. Raskin and Ivey reflect a growing recognition among elected officials that Americans increasingly oppose the use of taxpayer dollars to support military actions that have resulted in genocide, widespread civilian casualties and humanitarian devastation in Gaza.
In a statement, CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said:
“We commend Representatives Jamie Raskin and Glenn Ivey for their principled votes in support of this historic amendment. At a moment when too many elected officials continue to waffle, debate, wring their hands and ignore their constituents’ demands, these members of congress joined 102 of their colleagues and chose to stand on the side of accountability, human rights, and moral courage.
“We strongly condemn the votes of the remainder of Maryland’s congressional delegation. By opposing an effort to halt an additional $3.3 billion in military assistance amid unprecedented barbarism, devastation and war crimes, they willfully chose to maintain a status quo that has contributed to immense civilian suffering and further eroded public trust in our elected institutions.
“Marylanders have spoken with increasing clarity over the past two years. Through rallies, congressional meetings, advocacy days, public testimony, and tens of thousands of emails and phone calls, our communities have demanded a foreign policy rooted in human rights, accountability, and respect for international law. Those calls represent a growing and diverse coalition of constituents across our state, and can no longer be ignored.
“Although the amendment did not pass, the support of 104 members of Congress signals a profound shift in the national conversation surrounding U.S. military assistance to Israel. What was once considered politically untouchable is now the subject of growing bipartisan scrutiny.
“History will remember who had the courage to act and who chose to look the other way. Today’s vote demonstrates that sustained civic engagement can move our nation closer to a foreign policy rooted in justice, human dignity, and equal rights for all people.”
CAIR Maryland noted that the amendment comes amid mounting domestic and international concern over Israel’s genocide and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and increasing calls from human rights organizations, faith leaders, and advocacy groups for greater oversight of U.S. military assistance abroad.
The civil rights group also thanked the thousands of Marylanders who have participated in recent advocacy efforts, including congressional meetings, demonstrations, action alerts, and community organizing initiatives aimed at promoting accountability and protecting innocent lives.
CAIR Maryland urged those members of Maryland’s congressional delegation who opposed the amendment to reconsider their positions and engage more meaningfully with constituents who have consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and adherence to international humanitarian law.
“This vote is a reminder that change isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable,” said Chaudry. “The political landscape is shifting, and Marylanders will continue to fight for policies that reflect our shared values of justice, compassion, and human dignity.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, [email protected], 410-971-6062; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]