The Fault in Your Stars
How Pro-Israel Lobbying Captured the U.S. Congress
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An Empirical Dissection of Pro-Israel Lobbying Power in U.S. Foreign Policy
This analysis examines the systematic influence of pro-Israel lobbying expenditures on U.S. congressional representation, building upon our previous investigation into media dehumanization patterns. Through comprehensive data analysis of campaign contributions and voting records, significantly leveraging resources like Track AIPAC1 for their invaluable insights, we demonstrate how financial mechanisms enable policy outcomes that facilitate the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Our findings reveal a bipartisan consensus manufactured through strategic financial intervention, with implications for democratic representation and foreign policy formation.
The architectural framework of dehumanization documented in our previous analysis, “Manufacture Through Dehumanization,” finds its material foundation in the halls of Congress. Where media language strips Palestinians of agency and identity, congressional voting patterns reveal the institutional mechanisms that transform manufactured consent into policy reality. The genocide in Gaza does not occur in a vacuum but emerges from systematic legislative enablement, funded through precisely documented financial networks.
Our analysis reveals disturbing patterns of influence that transcend traditional partisan boundaries. The Democratic Party, ostensibly committed to human rights and international law, emerges as the primary beneficiary of pro-Israel lobbying investments. This contradiction exposes the fundamental compromise of American democratic institutions when confronted with organized financial influence.
The Scope of Institutional Capture
The scale of pro-Israel financial influence across the U.S. Congress represents one of the most comprehensive examples of foreign policy capture in American political history. As per the dataset, our data analysis reveals that only 14 of 432 House representatives and 2 of 100 senators remain financially uncompromised by pro-Israel lobbying organizations.
In this analysis, ‘uncompromised’ or ‘approved’ refers to legislators who have not accepted campaign contributions from pro-Israel lobbying groups. As the report demonstrates, this financial independence aligns with their role as isolated voices of dissent who consistently advocate for Palestinian rights within an institution otherwise dominated by financial influence.
The geographical distribution of pro-Israel spending reveals strategic targeting that prioritizes key districts and influential positions. Metropolitan areas with significant Jewish populations receive disproportionate attention, while rural districts with minimal Jewish constituencies still attract substantial investment when representatives hold crucial committee assignments or leadership positions.
As noted in the map’s footnote, a small group of representatives, largely aligned with the Progressive Caucus, remain unaligned with pro-Israel lobbying interests. These legislators continue to advocate for Palestinian rights and serve as isolated voices of dissent within an institution otherwise dominated by financial influence.
The Democratic Party’s Compromised Position
Perhaps the most striking finding of our analysis concerns the Democratic Party’s disproportionate acceptance of pro-Israel lobbying funds. Despite public perceptions linking Republican politics to unwavering Israel support, our data reveals that Democrats receive significantly higher contributions from pro-Israel organizations than their Republican counterparts.
This financial relationship creates a fundamental contradiction within the Democratic Party’s stated values. While party platforms emphasize human rights, international law, and opposition to genocide, the material incentive structure rewards legislators who enable precisely these violations when committed by Israel.
The strategic targeting of Democratic primaries demonstrates sophisticated understanding of party dynamics. Pro-Israel organizations recognize that capturing Democratic support neutralizes traditional liberal opposition to military intervention and human rights violations. When both major parties support Israeli policies, opposition becomes politically marginalized.
Senate Capture: The Upper Chamber’s Compromise
The Senate’s composition reveals even more comprehensive institutional capture. With only Jeff Merkley (OR) and Bernie Sanders (VT) remaining uncompromised among 100 senators, the upper chamber represents near-total alignment with pro-Israel interests.
The range of contributions spans from Cynthia Lummis’s $26,450 to Adam Schiff’s $6,234,034, demonstrating that even minimal pro-Israel investment achieves legislative compliance. Schiff’s position as former Chair and current Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee illustrates how pro-Israel groups prioritize representatives with direct influence over national security policy, intelligence budgets, and foreign policy oversight.
The Senate’s institutional role in confirming diplomatic appointments, ratifying treaties, and authorizing military action makes its capture particularly consequential. Pro-Israel organizations recognize that Senate influence enables broader foreign policy coordination beyond simple aid appropriations.
The Top Recipients: Case Studies in Institutional Compromise
The fourteen highest recipients of pro-Israel lobbying expenditures reveal sophisticated targeting strategies that prioritize ideological conversion over mere financial transaction. These cases demonstrate how pro-Israel organizations identify and eliminate opposition while rewarding compliance.
Significantly, 13 of the top 14 recipients are Democrats, undermining assumptions about Republican dominance in pro-Israel advocacy. This pattern reflects strategic recognition that neutralizing Democratic opposition proves more valuable than reinforcing existing Republican support.
The presence of George Latimer at the top of this list, having received $19,102,140 to defeat Squad2 member Jamaal Bowman, demonstrates the premium placed on eliminating vocal Palestinian advocacy. Similarly, Wesley Bell’s $12,281,104 investment to defeat Cori Bush represents systematic targeting of the Squad’s most effective voices.
Case Study Analysis
1. George Latimer
New York’s 16th Congressional District - $19,102,140 received from Pro-Israel Lobbies
George Latimer, former Westchester County Executive, defeated incumbent Jamaal Bowman, a prominent member of the progressive “Squad,” in 2024’s most expensive House primary. Bowman’s Squad affiliation was significant because the group has been outspoken in criticizing Israeli government policies and has called for conditioning U.S. military aid to Israel, positions that pro-Israel organizations saw as threats to longstanding bipartisan support for Israel. Pro-Israel groups invested over $14 million through AIPAC’s super PAC to replace Bowman, who had accused Israel of “genocide.” Latimer represents centrist Democrats supporting Israel’s right to self-defense and opposes applying disproportionate standards to Israel. He serves on the Foreign Affairs and Small Business committees, co-sponsored the Israel Security Assistance Support Act (H.R. 8369), and participated in delegations to Israel. AIPAC celebrated his victory as defeating the “extremist fringe” and reinforcing the “Democratic mainstream.” His win demonstrated pro-Israel groups’ strategic power to unseat vocal critics within the Democratic Party.
2. Wesley Bell
Missouri’s 1st Congressional District - $12,281,104 received from Pro-Israel Lobbies
Wesley Bell, former St. Louis County prosecutor, defeated incumbent Cori Bush in 2025 after receiving substantial pro-Israel funding. His platform explicitly states Israel’s right to defend itself and commits to maintaining the U.S.-Israel alliance. Bell serves on Armed Services (Strategic Forces, Tactical Air and Land Forces subcommittees) and Oversight committees. He views Iran as a “leading state sponsor of terrorism” and supports Israel’s security while backing ceasefire efforts for hostage release. AIPAC invested over $800,000, with pro-Israel PACs collectively spending $9 million. Bell co-led bipartisan letters addressing antisemitic hate speech. His victory represents another successful pro-Israel effort to remove a Squad member critical of Israeli policies.
3. Haley Stevens
Michigan’s 11th Congressional District - $5,480,017 received from Pro-Israel Lobbies
Haley Stevens, former Obama Administration official, strongly supports the U.S.-Israel partnership and opposes BDS movement and labeling Israel an “apartheid state.” She defeated Andy Levin in 2022 with $4.3 million in AIPAC spending against her opponent. Stevens serves on Education and Workforce, Science and Technology, and Select Committee on Strategic Competition with China. She co-led bipartisan resolutions demanding Hamas release hostages and consistently condemns efforts to delegitimize Israel. Stevens received over $300,000 in AIPAC-bundled donations and endorsements from Jewish Democratic Council of America. Her victory demonstrated AIPAC’s strategy of targeting less aligned incumbents to shape Democratic caucus composition on Israel issues.
4. Sarah Elfreth
Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District - $4,831,778 received from Pro-Israel Lobbies
Sarah Elfreth, former Maryland State Senator, assumed office in 2025 as a “strong pro-Israel progressive” committed to strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance. She supports a two-state solution respecting Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. Elfreth serves on Armed Services (Readiness, Seapower & Projection Forces subcommittees) and Natural Resources committees. She opposed ICC arrest warrants for Israeli officials and supported the ceasefire agreement. AIPAC’s United Democracy Project spent over $4 million in her primary, with pro-Israel industry contributing $611,579 total. She received Democratic Majority for Israel PAC endorsement. Her victory shows pro-Israel groups’ strategic investment in open primary races to ensure consistent pro-Israel voices in Congress.
5. Shontel Brown
Ohio’s 11th Congressional District - $4,325,674 received from Pro-Israel Lobbies
Shontel Brown, former Cuyahoga County councilwoman, defeated Nina Turner with substantial pro-Israel support. She opposes conditioning U.S. aid to Israel, supports the ten-year $38 billion U.S.-Israel MOU, and views Iran’s nuclear pursuit as an “existential threat to Israel.” Brown serves on Agriculture, Oversight, and Strategic Competition with China committees. She co-sponsored the Israel Relations Normalization Act and H.Res.1537 condemning Hamas attacks. However, she voted “No” on Israel Security Assistance Support Act and “Nay” on $17.6 billion Israel aid package, showing nuanced legislative positions. Democratic Majority for Israel spent $2 million supporting her, with AIPAC and other groups investing over $2 million total against Turner.
6. Janelle Bynum
Oregon’s 5th Congressional District - $3,563,367 received from Pro-Israel Lobbies
Janelle Bynum, former Oregon State Legislator and first Black member of Congress from Oregon, strongly supports Israel as a “democratic ally” and emphasizes standing with Israel and the Jewish community. She calls for immediate ceasefire while supporting hostage release and humanitarian aid, backing a two-state solution through bilateral negotiations. Bynum serves on Financial Services Committee (Housing, Insurance, Capital Markets subcommittees). She co-sponsored H.R. 3050, “Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors Act.” Democratic Majority for Israel played an “instrumental” role in her campaign messaging, while Jewish Democratic Council of America contributed $15,200. Her support illustrates pro-Israel groups’ strategic narrative shaping beyond just financial contributions.
7. Glenn Ivey
Maryland’s 4th Congressional District - $2,998,054 received from Pro-Israel Lobbies
Glenn Ivey, former Prince George’s County State’s Attorney, defeated Donna Edwards in 2022 with significant AIPAC Super PAC spending. He supports Israel’s right to exist as a “Jewish, Democratic state” and views it as a “crucial ally.” Ivey serves on Appropriations Committee (Commerce, Justice, Science and Financial Services subcommittees) and Ethics Committee. He took AIPAC-funded trips to Israel, meeting officials and hostage families. While supporting Israel aid, he opposed H.R. 7217 as a “political ploy,” preferring comprehensive bipartisan packages. Ivey publicly thanked the “pro-Israel community” for his victory. His case demonstrates multi-faceted pro-Israel influence combining financial support with direct engagement through sponsored educational trips.
8. Jimmy Gomez
California’s 34th Congressional District - $2,697,740 received from Pro-Israel Lobbies
Jimmy Gomez, Ways and Means Committee member and Deputy Whip for Congressional Progressive Caucus, maintains generally supportive Israel positions despite progressive affiliation. He voted “Yea” on numerous pro-Israel measures including H.Res.771 (standing with Israel), Hamas International Financing Prevention Act, condemning campus support for terrorists, hostage release resolutions, and affirming Israel’s right to exist. However, he voted “Nay” on censuring Rashida Tlaib, a $17.6 billion Israel aid package, and UNRWA funding cuts. Gomez signed DMFI statements calling for hostage release and humanitarian aid. His record shows complex pro-Israel stance balancing progressive values with security support, demonstrating nuanced positions beyond simple pro/anti-Israel categorization.
9. Josh Gottheimer
New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District - $2,001,136 received from Pro-Israel Lobbies
Josh Gottheimer, Intelligence and Financial Services Committee member and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair, actively champions pro-Israel legislation and opposes BDS movement. He was one of only 12 Democrats voting for $14 billion weapons package for Israel and one of 22 Democrats censuring Rashida Tlaib. Gottheimer introduced the “Bunker Buster Act” authorizing Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs for Israel against Iran’s nuclear threat. He helped secure Obama-Biden MOU passage and Iron Dome funding. His committee positions provide direct influence over national security and illicit finance relevant to Israel policy. Gottheimer’s willingness to break with party majority on Israel votes makes him highly valued by pro-Israel groups as a reliable bipartisan advocate.
10. Tony Gonzales
Texas’s 23rd Congressional District - $1,831,586 received from Pro-Israel Lobbies
Tony Gonzales, former Naval Cryptologist and “stalwart defender of U.S.-Israel relationship,” emphasizes Iran must not possess nuclear weapons and Israel’s right to defend itself. He serves on Homeland Security (Vice Chairman of Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, Intelligence) and Appropriations committees. Gonzales leads Latino-Jewish Caucus and bipartisan veterans caucus, reintroduced cybersecurity legislation, and plans “Iranian Campaign Medal” legislation. He voted “Yea” on Antisemitism Awareness Act. Republican Jewish Coalition spent $400,000 in ads supporting him against primary opponent Brandon Herrera. AIPAC congratulated his victory, noting “pro-Israel community was deeply engaged.” His case demonstrates bipartisan pro-Israel support for Republicans with strong national security credentials and influential committee positions.
11. Steny Hoyer
Maryland’s 5th Congressional District - $1,820,994 received from Pro-Israel Lobbies
Steny Hoyer, former House Majority Leader and long-serving Democrat, has been his party’s “point man” on Jewish support since the 1980s. He serves on Appropriations Committee, crucial for foreign aid and defense spending. Hoyer views Iran’s nuclear threat as “existential” to Israel and criticizes Trump’s JCPOA withdrawal. He voted against partisan Republican Israel aid bills, preferring comprehensive bipartisan packages including Palestinian humanitarian aid and Ukraine resources. Hoyer voted for House resolution condemning UN Security Council Resolution 2334 critical of Israeli settlements. He maintains “often allied” relationship with AIPAC spanning decades. His case illustrates sustained long-term support for senior party leaders who maintain consistent pro-Israel advocacy and influence over party direction.
12. Hakeem Jeffries
New York’s 8th Congressional District - $1,742,105 received from Pro-Israel Lobbies
Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader and Democratic Caucus leader, articulates “ironclad” commitment to Israel’s right to exist as “Jewish and Democratic state.” He co-sponsored bipartisan resolution supporting Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas and H.R. 6126 Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. Jeffries supported Biden’s ceasefire agreement for hostage return and humanitarian aid while maintaining two-state solution goal. He serves on Judiciary and Budget committees, meeting with Netanyahu to express “unequivocal bipartisan support for Israel.” Jewish Voice for Peace identifies him as “one of AIPAC’s largest recipients.” As top Democratic leader, his pro-Israel stance is paramount for maintaining party alignment with pro-Israel objectives, making him a strategic long-term investment.
13. Ritchie Torres
New York’s 15th Congressional District - $1,497,402 received from Pro-Israel Lobbies
Ritchie Torres, first openly gay Black and Afro-Latino elected to Congress, is called “Israel’s loudest supporter in the House” by Politico. He states he’s “pro-Israel not despite my progressive values, but because of my progressive values,” viewing his freedom as “inextricably bound” to Jewish people’s freedom and Israel’s security. Torres serves on Strategic Competition with China, Financial Services, and as Vice Chair of Homeland Security committees. He co-sponsored H.Res.1537 condemning Hamas attacks and voted “Yea” on Israel Security Assistance Support Act. His unique position as progressive pro-Israel voice helps counter narratives isolating Israel from progressive discourse, making him valuable for broadening ideological support base within the Democratic Party.
14. Henry Cuellar
Texas’s 28th Congressional District - $1,413,362 received from Pro-Israel Lobbies
Henry Cuellar, centrist Democrat on House Appropriations Subcommittees for Defense and Homeland Security, consistently supports Israel’s right to defend itself and opposes Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. He emphasizes Iran’s nuclear program poses a “direct threat” to U.S. national security and the broader region, requiring “resolve and unity from international community.” Cuellar voted for FY25 National Defense Authorization Act. His committee positions provide direct control over military aid and security initiatives vital to Israel’s interests. His strategic importance lies in his influential appropriations roles that offer leverage over defense funding and security policy. Pro-Israel groups prioritize his support due to his key committee assignments related to defense appropriations affecting Israel aid.
These case studies reveal several key patterns:
Strategic Primary Targeting: Pro-Israel organizations focus on Democratic primaries where they can eliminate opposition voices while maintaining party control. The defeats of Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush demonstrate this strategy’s effectiveness.
Committee Position Prioritization: Representatives serving on Armed Services, Appropriations, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence committees receive disproportionate investment, reflecting understanding of institutional power dynamics.
Ideological Conversion Rewards: Progressive representatives who adopt pro-Israel positions receive substantial funding, encouraging broader ideological realignment within the Democratic caucus.
Bipartisan Consensus Manufacturing: Strategic investment in both parties creates appearance of broad American support for Israeli policies while eliminating actual opposition.
The Mechanics of Policy Enablement
The translation of financial influence into policy outcomes operates through multiple mechanisms beyond simple vote purchasing.
This financial leverage is channeled through several distinct methods. Direct contributions from Political Action Committees (PACs) offer straightforward candidate support, while bundled donations, where lobbyists gather numerous individual checks, serve to demonstrate a broader base of unified financial power. The most significant funds, however, often flow through Super PACs, which can spend seemingly unlimited amounts on campaigns to support allies or, more critically, unseat legislators who challenge the pro-Israel consensus.
Pro-Israel organizations use these financial instruments to create comprehensive support networks that include:
Educational Programming: Sponsored trips to Israel provide representatives with curated experiences designed to reinforce pro-Israel narratives while building personal relationships with Israeli officials.
Staff Placement: Former AIPAC employees transition into congressional staff positions, providing ongoing policy guidance and maintaining institutional relationships.
Primary Election Intervention: Strategic spending in contested primaries eliminates opposition voices while sending clear messages about the consequences of challenging the pro-Israel consensus. The targeted defeats of progressives like Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush demonstrate this strategy’s effectiveness.
Coalition Building: Pro-Israel organizations facilitate relationships between Jewish and non-Jewish representatives, creating broader coalitions that extend beyond traditional ethnic constituencies.
The Broader Implications for Democratic Governance
The systematic capture of congressional representation by pro-Israel lobbying organizations raises fundamental questions about democratic governance in the United States. When financial influence can effectively eliminate opposition voices and manufacture artificial consensus, the basic premise of representative democracy becomes compromised.
The Palestinian experience serves as a case study in how organized financial influence can override popular opinion, legal obligations, and moral considerations. Polling consistently shows significant American opposition to unconditional military aid to Israel, yet congressional voting patterns reflect near-unanimous support for such policies.
This disconnect between public opinion and legislative action demonstrates the power of concentrated financial influence to override democratic will. The mechanisms perfected in service of Israeli interests establish precedents that threaten democratic governance across multiple policy domains.
Conclusion: The Architecture of Complicity
Our analysis reveals a systematic architecture of institutional capture that enables ongoing genocide in Gaza through manufactured congressional consensus. The same dehumanizing narratives documented in our media analysis find their material expression in legislative votes funded by documented financial networks.
The Democratic Party’s disproportionate acceptance of pro-Israel lobbying funds represents a fundamental betrayal of stated values, while the near-total capture of Senate representation demonstrates the comprehensive nature of institutional compromise. The strategic elimination of Squad voices through targeted primary spending reveals sophisticated understanding of American political dynamics.
The Palestinian genocide proceeds not through accident or oversight but through deliberate institutional design. Every appropriation bill, every military aid package, every diplomatic veto represents conscious choice enabled by systematic financial influence. The fault lies not in distant stars but in the corrupted institutions that claim to represent American values while enabling their systematic violation.
The handful of uncompromised representatives stands as testament to the possibility of principled resistance, while the overwhelming majority demonstrates the power of organized financial influence to override democratic will. Understanding these mechanisms represents the first step toward reclaiming democratic governance from the forces that have captured it in service of violence and oppression.
Track AIPAC aggregates publicly available FEC and OpenSecrets data to map the flow of contributions from AIPAC PAC, the United Democracy Project, and affiliated pro‑Israel donors. Their methodology involves extracting donations of $200 or more from FEC filings, cross‑referencing contributor names and PAC identities via OpenSecrets, and linking funds to specific candidates or races. The result is a transparent breakdown of pro‑Israel influence in U.S. elections. Paid for by Citizens Against AIPAC Corruption; not authorized by any candidate or committee.
Throughout this analysis, “The Squad” refers to a prominent group of progressive Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Key figures identified in this study as part of this group include Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), among others. This cohort is characterized by its generally progressive policy stances and, significantly within the context of this article, its more outspoken advocacy for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israeli policies compared to the broader congressional landscape. Notably, former members like Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman were also part of this group until they were successfully eliminated from Congress through targeted efforts by pro-Israel lobbies. Our findings indicate that members of “The Squad” have been specific targets of pro-Israel lobbying expenditures due to their perceived denial at supporting Israel and its interests.