In a resurfaced video from 2021, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is seen shedding tears on the House floor following Congress’ approval of a $1 billion funding bill for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. Now, as the Iron Dome recently thwarted a major missile assault on Israel from Iran, her emotional reaction has reignited concerns about the growing anti-Israel sentiments among progressive Democrats and the widening divide within the Democratic Party.
The legislation, passed by an overwhelming 420-9 vote in September 2021, granted Israel supplementary aid for the Iron Dome, a defense system crucial to Israel’s ability to protect its citizens from hostile attacks. The progressive opposition was spearheaded by the so-called “Squad” members, including Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Cori Bush (D-MO), and Marie Newman (D-IL). AOC, along with Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), refrained from a definitive stance, choosing to vote “present” rather than a straightforward “yes” or “no,” a decision that sparked criticism even among her own supporters.
Caught on camera shortly after the vote, AOC’s mask could barely hide her tears as she leaned on the shoulder of a fellow congressmember. Reflecting on her reaction, she explained, “I believe strongly that Congress should take greater scrutiny with all military funding across the world,” while claiming that U.S. financial support for Israel has historically been “unconditional.”
Despite her purported convictions, AOC’s present vote—neither for nor against—seemed to reflect a reluctance to take a clear position. She acknowledged, “To those I have disappointed—I am deeply sorry,” but added that she understood why some viewed her choice as “insufficient or cowardice.” AOC lamented what she called the “unjust” nature of the House process, arguing that the bill was rushed and prevented proper scrutiny.
Her statements suggested that the vote impeded global “human rights” goals and painted the Iron Dome’s funding as contrary to preserving “dignity” across communities worldwide. She said, “It became clear that this vote would risk a severe devolution of the good faith community fabric that allows us to responsibly join in a struggle for human rights and dignity everywhere—from Palestine to The Bronx and Queens.” Such rhetoric, however, raised eyebrows among critics who see the Iron Dome not as an offensive weapon but as a purely defensive tool, protecting civilians from incoming rockets.
In a striking display of emotion, Ocasio-Cortez confessed to crying over what she viewed as Congress’s disregard for human suffering. “Yes, I wept,” she admitted, citing “the complete lack of care for the human beings impacted by these decisions.” She decried Congress’s supposed “path of maximum volatility and minimum consideration” and accused her party of callousness towards its “most vulnerable and endangered members.”
The timing of this resurfaced footage is notable given recent events. As Iran attempted to strike Israel, the Iron Dome was deployed to defend civilians, saving countless lives. AOC’s reaction from 2021 now serves as a reminder of the divide in the Democratic Party, where progressive figures like AOC have repeatedly criticized U.S. support for Israel, drawing a contrast with more moderate Democrats who maintain a strong stance on national security and support for America’s allies.
In light of the recent missile threat, many are questioning why certain members of Congress seem so quick to question funding for essential defense systems. For some, AOC’s tearful breakdown underscores the ideological tensions within the Democratic Party, raising the question: where do America’s priorities lie when it comes to protecting its allies and standing firm against hostile regimes? While progressives continue to challenge traditional U.S. foreign policy, incidents like these serve as a sobering reminder of the stakes on the global stage and the need for a united front in the face of escalating threats.
