Full Breakdown
House Passes FY 2027 Defense Bill with Controversial Israel-Cooperation Provision
7/23/2026, 5:46:35 AM
Core Event
The Republican-controlled U.S. House approved the fiscal-year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (HR 8800) on a Wednesday vote. The $1.15 trillion spending bill includes Section 219, which would deepen U.S.–Israeli research, development and intelligence-sharing cooperation, and Section 622, which expands intelligence sharing with Israel while limiting existing restrictions.
Legislative Details and Vote Breakdown
The final tally was 216-212, almost entirely along party lines. Republicans voted 209-7 in favor; Democrats voted 205-6 against. Six Democrats—Henry Cuellar (TX), Don Davis (NC), Jared Golden (ME), Vicente Gonzalez (TX), Adam Gray (CA), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA)—joined the majority, and Independent Rep. Kevin Kiley (CA) also voted “yes.” An amendment to remove Section 219, offered by Rep. Mike Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna (CA), was defeated.
The bill also bundles the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a measure that would require proof of citizenship to register for federal elections, a provision that drew heavy Democratic criticism for being attached to a must-pass defense bill.
Opposition Voices and Criticism
Democratic leaders framed the legislation as a threat to U.S. sovereignty. Rep. Rep.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) warned that the bill would bring U.S. and Israeli militaries “even closer together” and urged a “NO” vote on the defense spending package.
A small group of Republicans—Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Rep. Mike Lawler (NY), and delegates Kimberlyn Kay King-Hinds (Northern Mariana Islands) and James Moylan (Guam)—broke ranks to oppose a separate amendment that would have made a prior executive order banning transgender service members permanent.
Official Statements & Responses
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA) said the House must now work to strip Section 219 during the upcoming conference with the Senate. The House Rules Committee blocked further debate on the amendment, leaving the provision intact as the bill moves to the Senate for consideration.
Verbatim Quote
“We need to now fight to strip this amendment in the conference between the House and the Senate,” — Rep. Ro Khanna
