House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), along with President Donald J. Trump, are central figures in a significant development concerning the National Defense Authorization Act.
Speaking on December 3rd, Rep. Stefanik announced she has successfully incorporated a crucial amendment into the bill’s text. This follows public disagreements regarding the provision’s inclusion or removal, which she attributes to Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD).
“The investigation of presidential and federal candidates must be disclosed,” stated Stefanik.
The amendment requires Congressional notification whenever the FBI initiates counterintelligence probes targeting individuals seeking office at these levels.
Stefanik has framed this development as a major legislative win against “illegal weaponization” of federal agencies. She declared, “This is a significant legislative win delivered against the illegal weaponization of the deep state.”
The recent public dispute between Johnson and Stefanik intensified when the latter became aware that the provision was being removed from consideration. This internal disagreement occurred even as they were both members of leadership teams within Congress.
Stefanik, a strong Trump ally, reportedly threatened to block passage unless her amendment returned. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) echoed this threat in support of Stefanik’s position.
With a narrow Republican majority controlling the House, Speaker Johnson finds himself dependent on the cooperation of key figures like Stefanik.
The National Defense Authorization Act is now set for floor consideration later this week, with Stefanik’s amendment included. If passed by both Houses and signed into law, this provision will mandate FBI notification to Congress whenever investigations targeting presidential or federal candidates commence.
