1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

Hello, I’m your constituent, I am writing to urge you to support the efforts of Senators Van Hollen, Sanders, Merkley, Welch, Markey, and Warren to oppose cloture on the Senate NDAA until there is a commitment to debate provisions expanding defense and intelligence integration with Israel. Section 1217 of the NDAA, and Section 619 of the Intelligence Authorization Act which is being advanced as an Amendment by Senator Cotton, would irreversibly entrench U.S. defense and intelligence integration with the Israeli government, exposing our most sensitive technologies and secrets to a partner that is seen by our own intelligence community as a critical counterintelligence threat. I oppose such an entrenchment on the grounds that Israel’s actions from Gaza to the West Bank, and Lebanon to Iran, are at odds with American values and U.S. interests. Now is not the time to deepen our military and intelligence ties. But whether you oppose or support this integration, as a United States Senator you must surely agree that such a major decision deserves the full debate and consideration of Congress. It is the responsibility of the Senate at this time to, at the very least, allow these questions to come to debate and a vote on the Floor. For these reasons, I ask that you accept the request advanced by Senators Van Hollen, Sanders, Merkley, Welch, Markey, and Warren to oppose cloture on the NDAA until these provisions receive the debate and votes they deserve. This bill should not move forward unchanged and unexamined. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your response.