Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin claimed on Wednesday that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) was misrepresenting a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would connect aspects of the U.S. military with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
In a post on social media Tuesday night, Ocasio-Cortez argued, “Tomorrow, the House of Representatives will vote on the NDAA, which includes provisions that would integrate portions of our military with the IDF. This amendment poses an existential threat to American sovereignty and democracy. All members must vote no.”
The following day, Zeldin responded, calling her claims erroneous. He suggested she should focus on understanding the bill’s text rather than fabricating narratives, remarking, “Instead of merging the part of your brain that hates Jews with the part of your brain that invents lies every day, try merging the part of your brain that reads bill text with the part of your brain that does critical thinking.”
On Wednesday, the House passed the NDAA, amounting to $1.15 trillion, by a narrow vote of 216 to 212, according to reports.
Additionally, the NDAA is associated with the SAVE America Act, which aims to protect the nation’s elections and has been backed by President Donald Trump. Although it was approved several months ago, it still awaits action in the Senate.
A strategy was employed by Republican leaders to combine the bill with the NDAA after its passage, allowing for separate votes on defense and election measures before merging into a single piece of legislation.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) also weighed in on Ocasio-Cortez’s statements, asserting that her claims were either misguided or intentionally deceptive. He explained that while the U.S. collaborates with allies, including sharing intelligence and conducting joint military exercises, there are no plans for military integration with the IDF. Lawler encouraged a halt to inciting negative sentiments towards the Jewish community.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) emphasized that the NDAA aims to maintain America’s military strength, claiming it ensures the nation remains a superior fighting force. He noted that with Republicans leading efforts to restore military advantage and promote tax benefits for families, the NDAA represents critical investments.
Johnson highlighted the enduring necessity to defend freedom, echoing President Reagan’s belief that liberty is not inherited but must be actively protected. He stressed that safeguarding freedoms through a robust defense is a fundamental obligation of elected officials, and that this year’s NDAA addresses this responsibility.
For the full text of the NDAA, you can find it on the designated government website.
