Laura Gillen

Democrat · U.S. House, New York District 4

Gillen staunchly opposed Rep. Massie’s amendment to cut all U.S. funding for Israel, saying it would "threaten our strategic alliance" and cut peace-building funding. After visiting Israel she said Hamas, not Israeli policy, caused Gaza’s suffering.

Gillen represents New York’s 4th District on Long Island, previously served as Town Supervisor of Hempstead, and is running for re-election.

She stated her position on the record on the day of the vote. Her statement of July 15, 2026 addresses "Rep. Thomas Massie’s (R-KY) amendment that would cut all funding for Israel from the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act", and reads: "The State of Israel is one of our most important allies and the only democracy in the Middle East. I firmly support Israel’s right to exist and defend itself from threats, including Iran and terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. This extremely harmful amendment would threaten our strategic alliance, undermine our national security interests and eliminate funding for important research and diplomacy in the region, including the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act, which supports Israeli-Palestinian people-to-people initiatives. That is why I staunchly opposed it."

On Gaza she places responsibility on Hamas. After an August 2025 congressional trip to Israel she told The Jewish Star that "Hamas can end this war and end the suffering of Israelis and Palestinians by giving back the hostages and relinquishing its power", arguing the suffering came from Hamas diverting aid rather than from Israeli policy, and that "Israel is letting aid get into Gaza".

In February 2025 she said the United States needs to "get more hawkish and get more aggressive against Iran", and in the same interview warned that Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank could be "inflammatory". Much of her remaining record is antisemitism legislation, which is context here. Her recorded votes and her funding from pro-Israel committees are shown separately on this card.

Tracked votes: backed sending U.S. weapons or funding to the government of Israel in 2 of 2 recorded votes.

Research

U.S. military aid and weapons to Israel

⚠ **THIS IS THE CLEAREST DESCRIPTION IN THIS GROUP OF WHAT THE TRACKED hr8595-119 VOTE IS.** A member's own release names it as Massie's amendment to cut all Israel funding from the National Security and State Department appropriations act, which identifies both the bill and the amendment. Her badge records No and she says she staunchly opposed it. See the flag.

U.S. aid to Palestinians

Characterization of the conflict

Rhetoric and lobbying

Safety and antisemitism

[Context only, never the answer to what America sends. Campus measures are named out of scope.]

Consulted and unusable

Also in this race: Jeanine Driscoll (Republican) · All New York candidates.

See the full record →

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.