A Republican-controlled House committee has come under criticism after it declined to allow a floor vote on a bipartisan amendment related to U.S.military cooperation with Israel.The proposed amendment, introduced by Representatives Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), aimed to remove provisions from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would expand and formalize the U.S.-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative.The initiative, included in Section 219 of the House NDAA, calls for deeper collaboration between the U.S.and Israeli militaries, particularly in areas such as defense technology research, development, testing, and industrial cooperation.Supporters of the amendment argued that the measure would reduce congressional oversight and further entangle U.S.military policy with Israeli defense operations.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International USA and Human Rights Watch, have previously expressed concerns that increased military cooperation could implicate the United States in alleged violations of international law.The House Rules Committee’s decision to exclude the amendment from floor consideration effectively prevented lawmakers from voting on the proposal.

Representative Ro Khanna publicly condemned the move, calling it unacceptable that members were not even permitted to debate or vote on the amendment.He emphasized concerns about U.S.sovereignty and pledged continued efforts to challenge the policy.

The issue has also drawn attention in the Senate, where some lawmakers have indicated they may seek to revise or remove the initiative during their version of the NDAA process.Advocates against the provision argue that it reduces transparency and limits congressional oversight over expanding military partnerships.

Meanwhile, supporters of the cooperation initiative argue that it strengthens strategic defense ties and technological collaboration between the two countries.The dispute highlights ongoing divisions in Congress over the extent of U.S.military cooperation with Israel and broader debates about foreign policy oversight, defense partnerships, and legislative transparency.