The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today strongly condemned the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), warning that the legislation advances unprecedented military spending while further entrenching the United States in foreign conflicts and expanding military cooperation with the Israeli government.
SEE: House Passes Defense Bill 213-207 on Party-Line Vote | Legis1
The House-approved bill authorizes approximately $1.15 trillion in defense-related spending and includes provisions tied to recent military operations involving Iran, as well as measures that deepen U.S.-Israel defense integration at a time when millions of Americans continue to struggle with rising costs, housing insecurity, and access to affordable healthcare.
Earlier this month, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) introduced a bipartisan amendment that would have struck Section 219 from H.R. 8800, removing the provision expanding U.S.-Israel defense technology cooperation and integration. The House Rules Committee prohibited the House from a debate or vote on the proposal.
After the amendment was blocked, Massie and Khanna announced they would oppose final passage of the NDAA, citing the inclusion of Section 219 and the House’s refusal to allow a vote on its removal.
CAIR had issued a letter to the House Rules Committee in favor of the amendment.
SEE: CAIR Letter Urges House to Strike U.S.-Israel Military Merger and Anti-Boycott Amendment from NDAA
In a statement, CAIR said:
“Congress has once again demonstrated that, when given a choice between investing in the American people and investing in Israel’s war machine, it too often chooses the latter. At a time when American families are struggling to make ends meet, lawmakers have approved more than a trillion dollars in military spending while advancing policies that risk dragging our nation into deeper conflict abroad.
“We thank the 205 House Democrats and Congressman Thomas Massie for rejecting this measure that places the interests of the Israeli government ahead of American independence, accountability and national security. We call on all Senators to reject Section 1217, reject any provisions mandating expanded intelligence sharing with Israel, guarantee full debate and amendment votes, and refuse to advance the NDAA unless these dangerous military-integration provisions are removed.”
CAIR expressed particular concern over provisions that may further facilitate military escalation in the Middle East and warned that continued congressional support for expansive defense policies absent meaningful debate undermines democratic accountability.
For decades, Americans have witnessed the devastating human and financial costs of prolonged military engagements overseas. CAIR reiterated its longstanding position that U.S. foreign policy should prioritize diplomacy, de-escalation, and the protection of civilian life.
The organization urged the U.S. Senate to reject provisions that contribute to regional instability, preserve Congress’ constitutional authority over matters of war, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used to advance peace, security, and the well-being of all Americans.
CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]