Congresswoman’s UNBELIEVABLE Story Of Getting Threatened By Pro-Israel Colleagues

In a revealing conversation with The Young Turks, former Congresswoman Marie Newman shares her firsthand experience of navigating the intense pressures within Congress, especially from the powerful pro-Israel lobby and the overwhelming influence of corporate PAC money. Her story exposes the challenges faced by progressive politicians who dare to stand up for their constituents and economic populism, and it sheds light on the broader systemic issues that hinder meaningful legislative progress in America today.

A Proud Record in Congress: Legislative and Community Achievements

Marie Newman served one term representing Illinois’s 3rd District, during which she was deeply proud of her team’s accomplishments. Not only did they operate like a “well-oiled machine” legislatively, passing six bills through the House and having two signed into law by President Biden, but they also made significant impacts in their local community. Newman highlights the importance of constituent services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where her team stepped in to fill critical service gaps, supporting labor unions, faith groups, gun resistance advocates, and everyday families.

Her approach was straightforward yet effective: during her campaign, she held 343 meet-and-greet events in 360 days, sitting down directly with neighbors, listening intently to their concerns, and turning those notes into actionable legislation. This grassroots strategy extended beyond party lines, involving conversations with Republicans to ensure bills could pass.

The Corrosive Impact of Corporate PAC Money

Newman’s refusal to accept corporate PAC money gave her the freedom to vote strictly in favor of her district’s interests. She bluntly asserts that the lack of Medicare for All, affordable drugs, transformative climate policies, parental leave, and wage bills is directly linked to the stranglehold corporate PAC money has over Congress.

“The reason we don’t have Medicare for all is because of corporate PAC money. The reason we don’t have affordable drugs is because of corporate PAC money. The reason we don’t have transformative climate change actions and policy is because of big oil money.”

She explains that members of Congress spend an average of four hours a day “dialing for dollars,” emphasizing that fundraising dominates their time and influences their votes. The mainstream media, which itself benefits from PAC money, often ignores or downplays this issue, leaving the public uninformed about how deeply money controls political decisions.

Democratic Party’s Flawed Support System

Newman critiques the Democratic establishment’s tendency to prioritize incumbents, often protecting more conservative members over progressives who fight for economic populism. She recounts how primaries, originally designed to vet candidates representing core values, have been undermined by party leadership manipulating outcomes to favor the most conservative candidates.

Despite winning her seat against the odds in 2020, Newman lacked support from the Democratic Party in her 2022 reelection bid, largely due to her progressive stances on issues like childcare, equity, wages, and parental leave — and notably her positions on Israel and Palestine.

The Iron Dome Vote: A Turning Point

One of the most contentious moments in Newman’s congressional career was her vote on funding the Iron Dome, Israel’s missile defense system. While she voted yes on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included Iron Dome funding, she voted no on a subsequent request for billions of dollars to purchase additional Iron Dome batteries.

This decision was driven by her district’s overwhelming opposition — about 90% of constituents, including labor unions, faith groups, and parents, advised against sending more money to Israel during the COVID crisis when resources were needed at home.

Newman did extensive research and found the batteries’ costs were grossly inflated, suspecting that Israel was repeatedly asking for more funds under questionable pretenses. She describes feeling like she had “committed mortal murder” on the House floor after voting against the additional funding, highlighting the emotional and political backlash she faced.

Threats and Intimidation from Pro-Israel Colleagues

Immediately after the vote, Newman was confronted by a group of older, long-term Democratic members of Congress who aggressively questioned her decision and threatened her political future. They warned her she would lose support from the pro-Israel North Shore donors and that her fundraising would be cut off — threats made openly on the House floor, which Newman notes is an ethics violation.

True to their word, these threats materialized as she saw a significant drop in campaign contributions. However, Newman remained resolute, stating she did not want money from donors who supported her only because of a pro-Israel stance that didn’t align with her district’s priorities.

The Heavy Hand of AIPAC and Affiliated PACs

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its affiliated groups like Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI), United Democracy Project, and others, wield enormous financial influence in congressional races. Newman estimates these groups spent around $2 million against her — a four-to-one spending advantage — and overall outspent her six-to-one when including other donors like crypto industry backers.

This massive financial firepower is used to maintain strict loyalty to pro-Israel policies among lawmakers, regardless of their party affiliation.

Widespread Influence and Media Silence

Newman reveals that 87% of Congress is “owned” by AIPAC and similar groups, which not only provide funds but also dole out strict talking points that members are expected to follow to maintain their financial support. This dynamic extends to corporate PACs from the oil, pharmaceutical, crypto, and financial sectors, which similarly control politicians’ stances on various issues.

Despite the gravity of this influence, mainstream media outlets like The New York Times, CNN, and The Washington Post have largely ignored or downplayed these stories. Independent media and alternative outlets have done more investigative work, but the lack of mainstream coverage allows these power dynamics to persist unchecked.

The Crypto Industry and Congressional Bribery

Newman shares an eye-opening example of a congressional subcommittee assigned to regulate the crypto industry that never met, yet members accepted crypto money and parroted industry talking points. When public opinion shifted and crypto firms faced bankruptcy, these same members flipped to anti-crypto positions — showing how financial incentives, not genuine policy understanding, guide many political stances.

Hope for the Future: Emerging Leaders and Bold Ideas

Despite the bleak picture, Newman remains hopeful. She points to emerging progressive leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jasmine Crockett, Chris Murphy, and Ro Khanna, who are actively engaging with voters and pushing bold transformative policies.

Polling data shows growing Democratic support and waning support for former President Trump, signaling political opportunities. Newman urges Democratic leadership to listen to voters across all states and embrace popular policies like paid family leave, higher wages, and clean air — policies supported by a broad majority, including many Republicans.

The Reality of Blocked Legislation

Newman reveals that despite overwhelming support, crucial policies such as universal childcare, parental leave, and immigration reform were stripped from the Build Back Better bill in its final hours by a small group of Democrats led by Josh Gottheimer, influenced by donors who opposed these measures.

This interference underscores the power of moneyed interests in stalling progress, even when the political landscape is favorable.

Final Thoughts: The Need to Remove Money from Politics

Marie Newman’s experience is a stark reminder of how corporate PAC money and foreign lobbying interests distort American democracy. The cycle of threats, bullying, and financial manipulation limits the ability of representatives to serve their constituents and enact meaningful change.

Her story calls for urgent reforms to get money out of politics, support for bold progressive leadership, and a media willing to expose these systemic issues. Only then can Congress truly reflect the will of the people and pursue policies that benefit all Americans.

As Newman states, “If you stand up to the bullies, numbers are powerful and they have to back down.” It is a call to action for voters, leaders, and journalists alike to demand transparency, accountability, and a government that puts people first.