Idaho Says No: Reject Military Integration with Foreign Nations and Put Americans First
Russ Fulcher, Mike Crapo, Mike Simpson, Jim Risch
Congress is considering Section 224 of the National Defense Authorization Act, a provision that would dramatically expand military-industrial integration between the United States and Israel. Whether you support Israel or not, Idahoans should be concerned whenever Congress takes steps that further entangle our nation, our military, and our tax dollars in the affairs of another country without a full and transparent public debate.
The Idaho Republican Party Platform is clear on this issue. Under Article XVII, Section 8 (Non-Interventionism), the Idaho GOP states that "War is a last resort and is for the defense of America's borders, her territory, her citizens, and their liberty." The platform further declares, "We reject the desire to militarily police the world and dictate relations between foreign and faraway countries with histories and conflicts not our own." It also affirms that "In foreign relations, we must be guided by the wise and humble principle of 'America First.'" Finally, the platform warns that "Meddling in the affairs of other countries with military aid and influence furthers neither our American way of life nor our future security interests." (Idaho Republican Party Platform, Article XVII, Section 8).
Section 224 moves in the opposite direction. Rather than placing American interests first, it seeks to deepen institutional ties between the United States and a foreign military and defense establishment. Regardless of one's views on Israel, Idaho Republicans have repeatedly affirmed that American foreign policy should be guided by the interests of the United States and not by commitments that risk drawing our nation deeper into foreign conflicts.
The Idaho Republican Party Platform also states that "American troops should not be used as 'world policemen'" and that the United States should retain full command and control of its forces whenever military cooperation occurs (Article XVII, Section 7). Likewise, Article XVII, Section 4 affirms that the National Guard should only be deployed for combat operations after Congress has exercised its constitutional authority to declare war. These principles reflect a broader commitment to constitutional government, national sovereignty, and restraint in foreign affairs.
This petition calls on Idaho's congressional delegation to reject Section 224 and oppose any measure that expands foreign entanglements, weakens American independence, or moves our nation further away from the America First principles embraced by Idaho Republicans.
If you believe America's military should defend America, America's tax dollars should serve American interests, and America's elected officials should answer to the American people alone, add your name today.
Petition by
To:
Russ Fulcher, Mike Crapo, Mike Simpson, Jim Risch
From:
[Your Name]
Dear Senators and Representatives,
As an Idaho voter, I urge you to oppose Section 224 of the National Defense Authorization Act and any legislation that further integrates the military and defense establishments of the United States and Israel.
The Idaho Republican Party Platform is clear that "War is a last resort" and that America should reject efforts to "militarily police the world." It further states that "In foreign relations, we must be guided by the wise and humble principle of America First." These principles reflect the views of countless Idaho Republicans who believe our government should focus on defending the United States rather than deepening commitments overseas.
Section 224 moves our nation in the wrong direction. It seeks to institutionalize a closer relationship between the American and Israeli defense sectors at a time when many Americans are questioning why Washington continues to place the interests of foreign governments ahead of the needs of its own citizens.
For decades, both political parties have treated support for Israel as a sacred obligation largely immune from public scrutiny. American taxpayers have financed tens of billions of dollars in aid, American diplomacy has repeatedly been subordinated to Israeli priorities, and American policymakers have often acted as though questioning this relationship is beyond the bounds of legitimate debate.
Idahoans reject that premise.
Israel is a foreign country. Its government exists to advance Israeli interests. The duty of Congress is not to advance Israeli interests, but American interests. When the priorities of Israel and the United States diverge, elected officials have an obligation to stand with the American people.
Many Idaho Republicans supported the Defend the Guard movement because they believe American military power should only be used to defend America and only with proper constitutional authorization. That same principle applies here. Our military should not be transformed into a permanent guarantor of the security interests of foreign nations, nor should our defense industry become increasingly intertwined with that of any foreign state.
At a time of record debt, an unsecured border, rising costs of living, and growing concerns about military readiness, Congress should be focused on strengthening the United States—not creating new forms of dependency, obligation, and entanglement abroad.
I respectfully ask you to vote NO on Section 224 and any similar legislation. Put America First. Defend American sovereignty. Defend constitutional government. And ensure that the foreign policy of the United States serves the people of the United States—not the government of any foreign nation.
Respectfully,
Idahoans for America First