Ami Bera

Democrat · U.S. House, California District 3

Bera voted present on the July 2026 Massie amendment to cut Israel funding, calling it "poorly drafted and overly broad" but declining to oppose it over the Netanyahu government's conduct in Gaza. In July 2025 he said Israel must ensure life-saving aid reaches Palestinian civilians.

On the July 15, 2026 Massie amendment to eliminate Israel funding, Bera voted present and explained both halves: "This amendment is poorly drafted and overly broad. It would go beyond military assistance and restrict funding for humanitarian aid, refugee assistance, peacebuilding efforts, and U.S. diplomatic operations." And: "I cannot vote against this amendment because I do not condone the Netanyahu government's conduct of the war in Gaza and the resulting humanitarian crisis, its actions in Lebanon, its failure to confront escalating settler violence in the West Bank, and its role in drawing the United States into the current war with Iran." He said a two-state solution remains the path to peace and "achieving that goal will require a change in America's approach toward the Netanyahu government."

In February 2024 he opposed the standalone House Republican Israel aid package, arguing military assistance to Israel should pass alongside humanitarian assistance for Gaza and aid for Ukraine and Taiwan. In April 2024 he supported the bipartisan supplemental replenishing Iron Dome and David's Sling while funding humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza. In August 2026 he led 65 members, with Reps. Tran and Carbajal, in a letter urging Secretary of State Rubio to address Israeli dual-use restrictions impeding humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

On the conflict itself, he said in July 2025: "The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. There is widespread starvation and the crisis is worsening with each passing day," pairing that with "Hamas must end this war, release all hostages, and accept a ceasefire agreement." In October 2025 he marked two years since October 7, welcomed the ceasefire deal, and celebrated the hostage releases while urging that the ceasefire be sustained and Gaza rebuilt.

Tracked votes: opposed sending U.S. weapons or funding to the government of Israel in 3 of 5 recorded votes.

Research

U.S. military aid and weapons to Israel

Characterization of the conflict

Rhetoric and lobbying

Safety and antisemitism (context, not a weapons or funding position)

Also in this race: Robb Tucker (Republican) · All California candidates.

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But What Can You Do? tracks where 2026 candidates stand on U.S. weapons and funding for the government of Israel. Every claim on this page goes through at least two verification steps. Open the interactive card for votes, funding and contact details.