Massie says Israel seeks to fold support into US defence budgets
""But the the longer term thing outside of the war with Iran that Israel wants is to burrow in like a tick into our uh national defense authorization. They don't want to be called out as a separate line item because they know popularity for foreign aid is going down in the United States.""
About this episode
US Congressman Thomas Massie discusses three main fronts: the annual National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), disputes over disclosure of Jeffrey Epstein-related records, and the growing use of AI in political advertising. Massie says a little-noticed NDAA provision (Section 219) would legislatively drive “integration” of US military technology and defence-industry supply chains with Israel’s, including appointing an official to oversee the process. He says his amendment to strip the section was blocked and warns that, without floor debate, future administrations could rely on broad or “secret” legal interpretations.
On US support for Israel, Massie claims Israel prefers support embedded inside US defence authorisations and procurement rather than visible appropriations line items, arguing this would reduce public scrutiny as support for foreign aid falls. He also cites a recent House vote on his amendment to remove $3.3bn in Israel-related funding for “offensive weapons” from the State Department funding bill, saying 103 Democrats backed the cut while he was the only Republican to do so.
Massie then turns to the Epstein Files Transparency Act. He claims millions of documents have been released but that key materials remain missing, heavily redacted, or withheld; he proposes “Epstein Files Transparency Act 2.0” to create explicit legal standing for victims, members of Congress, and state attorneys general to litigate compliance and access files for prosecutions.
Finally, Massie alleges AI-generated deepfake campaign adverts—funded by a super PAC linked to Miriam Adelson—misled voters in his own race, and he predicts a “wild west” of AI political ads in coming election cycles.
Key takeaways
- Massie says NDAA Section 219 would integrate US defence technology and supply chains with Israel’s and create a standing role to oversee it.
- He says House leadership blocked his amendment to remove Section 219, leaving no standalone vote or debate on the provision.
- Massie cites a House vote on his amendment targeting $3.3bn in Israel-related funding for “offensive weapons”, describing growing Democratic division.
- He alleges AI-generated deepfake ads in his race were funded by a Miriam Adelson-backed super PAC and were persuasive despite disclaimers.
- Massie claims DOJ has withheld or over-redacted substantial Epstein-related records, including some victim statements.
- He outlines “Epstein Files Transparency Act 2.0” to provide standing and venue to sue DOJ and to allow state AGs access for prosecutions.