Pocan Seeks to Express Liberal Discontent to Biden After Israel Aid Vote

In rural southwestern Wisconsin, constituents are voicing their dissatisfaction with President Biden’s approach to Israel’s war in Gaza. During a town hall-style meeting, 66-year-old Elizabeth Humphries expressed her concerns to Representative Mark Pocan, who assured her that he was working to convey those sentiments to the White House.

Despite Congress approving a $95.3 billion aid package with $26 billion in security assistance to Israel, Pocan, one of 37 House Democrats to vote against the funding, is standing firm on his reservations about American involvement in the conflict. He is determined to make sure the concerns of white rural voters in his district are heard by the administration.

The constituents, mostly retirement-age individuals, are urging for a tougher stance against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s tactics in Gaza. They are calling for more action to protect civilians and aid workers, as well as increase humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

While many at Pocan’s events support President Biden, they are concerned about the growing friction over the Israel-Gaza conflict. They fear that the president’s stance could cost him support, especially among young voters and on college campuses where protests against U.S. backing of Israel’s military offensive are gaining momentum.

Pocan, a leading voice among progressive Democrats, is pushing for a change in tactics by leveraging military funding and arms for Israel to ensure compliance with U.S. and international law. He believes that the administration is aligned with the desires of his constituents and is hopeful for progress on the issue.