AOC and 'The Squad' force Dems to REMOVE $1BN funding for Israel's Iron Dome from spending bill after threatening to tank the measure aimed at avoiding September 30 government shutdown The stopgap spending bill was supposed to keep the government funded and running through 2022 with a provision to suspend the debt ceiling The progressive lawmakers reportedly took issue with funds for Israel's defense House Rules Committee Chair Jim McGovern said the delay could last a week Lawmakers will likely resume discussions on the bill shortly after the Israel provision was removed By Elizabeth Elkind, Politics Reporter For Dailymail.Com Published: 18:33 BST, 21 September 2021 | Updated: 18:40 BST, 21 September 2021 Viewcomments House Democrats reportedly removed a provision to give Israel $1 billion toward its Iron Dome defense system from the continuing resolution to keep the government open and funded past September 30 after opposition from the Squad. Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan are leading the blockade, according to Politico reporter Andrew Desiderio. The outlet was also first to report that House Democrats pulled the measure after the progressive pushback. DailyMail.com has reached out to all three progressives' offices but has not yet heard back. The House was aiming to pass a stopgap funding bill to keep the government running until December 3 as early as today. But during the House Rules Committee's Tuesday morning session, Chairman Jim McGovern of Massachusetts unexpectedly called a recess before getting to the legislation. 'We just have one [thing] to resolve, I hope it won't take very long,' McGovern said. The push to remove funding for Israeli defense from the stopgap spending bill reportedly comes from Squad members Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Streaks of light are seen as Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercept rockets launched from the Gaza Strip 'I thought we were all set, but we have a little glitch we've got to figure out.' He said the delay could last 15 minutes to half an hour - then added it could be up to 'a week.' That cuts Democrats' week-long timeline to avoid a government shut down to just two days before September 30. Along with money to keep federal agencies running and their employees paid, the 93-page spending bill also includes $28.6 billion in disaster aid and $6.3 billion to help resettle Afghan refugees. The measure would also suspend the debt ceiling until after the midterm elections, December 2022. But the progressives took issue with the funds aimed at boosting Israel's military defense. That group reportedly includes progressive Democrats who signed a resolution in May aimed at blocking a $735 weapons sale to Israel during deadly violence between Israel and Hamas. House Rules Chair Rep. Jim McGovern interrupted lawmakers' session due to an unexpected delay Ocasio-Cortez, Tlaib and Rep. Mark Pocan were the resolution's lead sponsors. Pocan's office has told DailyMail.com that he is not part of the current effort to block the continuing resolution. Lawmakers missed a July deadline to raise or suspend the debt ceiling, forcing the US Treasury into extraordinary measures to keep up the flow of dollars through government. But that money is weeks away from running out, according to estimates by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. The measure was expected to pass the Democrat-controlled House today. With just a narrow majority, they can only afford to lose three votes to still get it through. Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington is due to speak with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi today, CNN's Ryan Nobles reported after the discussions were halted. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility