On Wednesday, July 23rd, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a 219-206 vote, retaining Section 219, which calls for expanded U.S.-Israel defense integration. This provision enhances cooperation on military technology, supply chains, research, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and joint exercises.

Ahead of the vote, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) claimed on X that the NDAA "includes a provision to merge parts of our military with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)." Her statement drew immediate pushback, with critics accusing her of distorting the legislation's intent. One response stated, "Good grief, you are either obtuse or intentionally lying. We are not merging our military with the IDF."

The debate intensified as GOP Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) introduced an amendment to remove Section 219 from the bill. However, House leadership did not permit the amendment to be voted on. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that such amendments could undermine U.S. national security by potentially empowering groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

The controversy highlights a growing political divide within the Democratic Party over aid to Israel, as discussed by 'Special Report' anchor Bret Baier. Supporters of Section 219 argue it merely expands existing defense cooperation with close allies, including intelligence sharing and joint military exercises.

Amid the heated exchanges, one critic remarked to Ocasio-Cortez, "Instead of merging the part of your brain that hates Jews with the part of your brain concocting your daily lies, you should try merging the part of your brain responsible for reading bill text with the part of your brain responsible for critical thinking."

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