Thread by @michaeldweiss

Suggest European friends and allies read not only the National Security Strategy but also the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2026, which was published last night. It's very long, so skip to this section: rules.house.gov/sites/evo-subs…

Here, for instance, we see several amendments written in direct response to what Elbridge Colby has been doing at DoD while Pete Hegseth does chin-ups and tequila shots. Note the provision about reclassifying aid to Ukraine as needed U.S. stocks -- this cannot be done, per this draft, unless the kit is so badly needed for a contingency op, its absence could result in mission failure or loss of American lives:

Let's say Trump wants to punish Zelensky again for not wanting to forfeit Donbas by cutting intel sharing to Ukraine. He would have two days to notify Congress on this decision. And he'd have to explain why he did it and what the anticipated consequences to Ukraine would be. "Because I'm an asshole and I don't care" might not even suffice in this fast-changing political environment!

Here we see that every 90 days, Hegseth or his imminent successor must inform Congress not only of all committed/delivered U.S. military aid to Ukraine, but of all committed/delivered allied military aid to Ukraine, including stuff purchased via the PURL mechanism. Makes it harder for the admin to lie about what we've given, and what our newly designated enemies in Europe give and continue to give. Also note this provision, rather sneakily tucked in at the bottom: SACEUR and EUCOM commander Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, who recently obtained authorization to allow Western munitions to be used to strike inside Russian territory (this used to belong to Hegseth), can identify "any weapon system during the reporting period that meets Ukrainian requirements... but has not been delivered to Ukraine by the United States or an allied or partner country." A subtle way of saying Grynch can advocate for specific platforms Ukraine needs but hasn't got. And advocate implicitly not just for the U.S. to provide them, but for our allies to do so.

More bad news for Colby and Vance cabal. The Baltic Security Initiative is codified by this legislation.

Wanna permanently reduce the U.S. troop presence in Europe? Where you gonna get the money? Also, the Grynch stays in the picture.

You can practically visualize the forehead vein on Sen. Dan Sullivan's head bulging here:

Apart from everything else, this section really is one massive "fuck you" to the Cheese.