Dems LEAD Anti-Israel FIGHT
House Democratic leadership has backed a progressive “Squad” member who is battling for her political career.
This year, Rep. Cori Bush, a Democrat from Missouri, is competing in a fierce primary against a challenger who has positioned himself as a more moderate, pro-Israel substitute for the outspoken congressman.
On Tuesday, however, Bush received the support of Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, D-N.Y.; House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.; and Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass. “Cori has stood up for the citizens of St. Louis in the battles against gun violence, affordable housing, and the right to an abortion. The three issued a statement together, saying, “We stand together to support Cori Bush for reelection as we work hard to make life better for everyday Americans and battle the corrosive extreme MAGA Republican agenda.”
In a joyful Instagram post, Bush declared herself “proud” to have their support. One of Congress’s most vociferous opponents of Israel and its actions in Gaza is this two-term progressive Democrat. She has continuously voted against emergency financing for the Middle Eastern ally and accused the Israeli government of committing genocide against the Palestinian people.
She faces competition from inside her own party since Wesley Bell, her opponent, is backed by the Democratic Majority for Israel. Additionally, he enjoys the backing of the pro-Israel American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a nonpartisan advocacy group. Bush also disclosed earlier this year that she was the focus of inquiries by the House Ethics Committee, the Federal Election Commission, and the Justice Department for her husband’s paid participation in her security detail.
In a statement released on January 30, Bush said that certain “right-wing organizations” were “peddling notions that I have misused campaign funds to pay for personal security services.”
“I have complied with all applicable laws and House rules–and will continue to prioritize the rules that govern us as federal elected officials,” she stated at the time, adding that “in accordance with all applicable rules, I retained my husband as part of my security team to provide security services because he has had extensive experience in this area, and is able to provide the necessary services at or below a fair market rate.”
