U.S. Congress advances defense measures on Israel cooperation and Department name change

The House Armed Services Committee has added Section 224 to the FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, creating a framework for expanded U.S.–Israel defense cooperation. A Pentagon‑designated official would coordinate joint work on missile defense, drones, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotechnology, research projects, manufacturing arrangements and training exercises. The provision has drawn bipartisan criticism in Congress, with some lawmakers warning it could entangle the United States in deeper military integration with Israel, while supporters argue it would allow the United States to tap Israel’s defense‑technology ecosystem.

Separately, the Senate Armed Services Committee voted to move forward legislation that would rename the Department of Defense the Department of War, also as part of the FY 2027 NDAA. The proposal has been defended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who said, “The Department of War will officially be restored soon.” Opponents such as Sen. Tim Kaine called the change “juvenile” and criticized it amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. A Congressional Budget Office analysis estimates the rename could cost taxpayers between $10 million and $125 million. Supporters claim the new title signals greater strength, while critics view it as a vanity project.