Outcry after $1.15tn defense bill passes in the House – US politics live

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The House of Representatives passed a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill on Wednesday in a near-party-line vote, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle over provisions related to U.S.-Israel military technology cooperation and new voting restrictions. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which typically passes with broad bipartisan support, advanced 216–212, with most Democrats voting against and most Republicans in favor, according to two outlets covering the vote.

The bill's passage was marked by an unusual coalition of opposition, with seven Republicans voting against and six Democrats voting for it. The controversy centers on Section 219, which would create a permanent United States–Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, and the inclusion of the Save America Act, a Trump-backed proposal to ban mail-in ballots and impose new voter identification requirements.

Coverage Comparison

The Guardian's live blog framed the vote as an "outcry" over the defense policy bill, emphasizing the near-party-line nature of the vote and the broader political context, including the president's decision to join Israel in attacking Iran without congressional authorization. The Guardian also highlighted the inclusion of the Save America Act, calling attention to Democratic criticism that the measure aims to make voting more difficult.

The Intercept focused its coverage on Section 219, reporting that a bipartisan effort to remove the provision failed and that critics warned it could compromise American sovereignty and national security. The Intercept named the specific lawmakers who broke with their parties, providing a detailed breakdown of the vote.

Both outlets reported the same core facts—the bill's passage, the close vote, and the presence of the Israel-related provision—but they approached the story from different angles. The Guardian's coverage contextualized the vote within the ongoing conflict with Iran and domestic political tensions, while The Intercept delved into the specifics of the military technology cooperation initiative and its potential implications.

Key Claims

• Passage of the Bill: The House passed the $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act in a 216–212 vote, according to both The Guardian and The Intercept. The vote was largely along party lines.

• Section 219 Provision: The bill includes a provision expanding U.S.-Israel military technology cooperation. The Intercept reported that Section 219 would establish a United States–Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, requiring the defense secretary to designate a Pentagon executive agent to coordinate bilateral defense research, development, testing, evaluation, and industrial cooperation.

• Vote Breakdown: The Intercept reported that seven Republicans voted against the bill, including Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, Tim Burchett of Tennessee, Eli Crane of Arizona, Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, and Chip Roy of Texas. Six Democrats voted for it: Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, Adam Gray of California, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.

• Failed Amendment: Lawmakers were denied a separate vote to remove Section 219, despite a bipartisan effort led by Massie and Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, according to The Intercept.

• Iran Conflict Cost: The Guardian reported that the president's decision to join Israel in attacking Iran without congressional authorization has already cost $37.5 billion, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This claim was carried by a single outlet.

• Save America Act: The Guardian reported that the bill includes the Save America Act, a proposal backed by former President Trump to ban mail-in ballots and impose new identification restrictions on voters. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, said on X that the budget resolution was "our best shot at enacting as much of the Save America Act into law as possible."

• Lawmaker Quotes: The Intercept quoted Massie as saying, "Codifying the integration of our military technology and supply chains with those of any other country is dangerous." The Guardian quoted Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, who posted on X: "While millions of Americans are struggling to afford basic necessities, Congress is choosing to authorize over $1tn for the Pentagon, once again funneling billions of taxpayer dollars to defense contractors instead of investing in the needs of working people."

Perspectives

Republican Critics of Section 219: Representative Thomas Massie and other conservative lawmakers argue that the Israel technology cooperation provision could compromise American sovereignty and national security. Massie told The Intercept that institutionalizing the relationship would create "a lopsided arrangement" and long-term risks.

Democratic Critics of the Bill: Several Democrats, including Representatives Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Jerry Nadler, opposed the bill for various reasons. Ocasio-Cortez called the provision "an existential threat to American sovereignty and democracy," while Omar criticized the overall defense spending and the ongoing war with Iran. Nadler linked the bill to "Trump's attempt to steal elections."

Supporters of the Bill: The bill's supporters, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, framed the legislation as a necessary defense authorization and a vehicle for the Save America Act. Johnson defended the voting provisions as an opportunity to enact election integrity measures.