Rep.Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., came under fire after claiming the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would "merge parts of our military with the Israel Defense Forces," drawing accusations that she distorted what the legislation actually does.The fight centers on Section 219 of the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act, a provision that calls for deeper U.S.-Israel defense integration through expanded cooperation on military technology, supply chains, research, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and joint exercises.On Wednesday, the House passed its version of the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act in a 219-206 vote, leaving Section 219 intact.But ahead of the vote, Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X that the NDAA "includes a provision to merge parts of our military with the IDF."THE US-ISRAEL STRATEGIC ALLIANCE – PARTNERSHIP, NOT CHARITYRep.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., speaks during a 'New York is Not For Sale' rally at Forest Hills Stadium on Oct.26, 2025.
(Stephani Spindel/VIEWpress via Getty Images)"This amendment is an existential threat to American sovereignty and democracy," she wrote."Every member of Congress must vote NO."Ocasio-Cortez's post quickly drew criticism from Republican lawmakers and Trump administration officials, who argued the measure strengthens defense cooperation with Israel but does not merge the two militaries.Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin called the claim "FALSE," accusing the congresswoman of misrepresenting the bill.AOC SLAMS ‘OPPRESSED’ TRUMP STATES WHILE TOUTING NYC SERVICES DESPITE $5B DEFICIT AND TRANSIT CRIME SPIKERep.
Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., spoke with reporters as he arrived for a House Republican conference meeting at the U.S.Capitol on May 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
(Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)"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 b...