The House of Representatives passed a $1.15 trillion defense authorization bill on July 22, 2026, with a vote of 216-212. The bill includes a provision that expands U.S.-Israel military technology cooperation, despite bipartisan efforts to remove it. Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) expressed concerns that the measure could compromise American sovereignty and national security, stating, "Codifying the integration of our military technology and supply chains with those of any other country is dangerous."
The provision, known as Section 219, aims to establish a permanent U.S.-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative. It requires the defense secretary to designate a Pentagon executive agent responsible for coordinating bilateral defense research and development. Massie, along with Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), attempted to remove the provision but was unsuccessful.
Six Democrats joined the majority of Republicans in voting for the bill. Massie warned that institutionalizing the relationship could create long-term national security risks and reduce the flexibility of future presidents to withdraw from the arrangement. In contrast, Representative Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.) defended the provision, stating that collaboration with allies does not compromise American sovereignty.
The Senate has yet to pass its version of the National Defense Authorization Act, which contains a similar initiative, leaving the final outcome dependent on further negotiations.