Powerful pro-Israel lobbying group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), has ceased fundraising activities for Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT). The move came after the three voted against a supplemental funding measure for Israel last month. Representative Scott Perry has defended his vote against a bill for supplemental funding for Israel, which he claims contained allocations of humanitarian aid that could indirectly support Hamas.
AIPAC spokesperson Marshall Wittmann confirmed that the organization has not officially withdrawn its endorsement of Perry. However, Wittmann declined to provide details regarding the timeline or conditions under which AIPAC might resume its fundraising efforts for Perry.
In his statement, Perry stood firm on his decision to vote against the bill. He stated that the humanitarian aid components could potentially benefit Hamas, a concern he described as unavoidable.
“I have been and remain one of the most vehement defenders in Congress of the State of Israel,” said Perry. “I have grievous concerns, however, about provisions in the recent House funding bill that also allocates $9 billion to Hamas — terrorists!”
Perry, who previously chaired the House Freedom Caucus, could face significant electoral challenges in the upcoming November elections. According to the Cook Political Report, Perry’s race is classified as “lean Republican,” suggesting a more competitive contest compared to the “likely Republican” ratings for Cruz and Zinke.
Generally speaking, the majority of Republicans in both the House and the Senate have been staunchly — some critics have argued slavishly — supportive of Israel in its conflict against Hamas in Gaza.
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