Democrats are against funding the U.S. military and making sure "your vote counts," Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., told Newsmax on Thursday, blasting the party for opposing key Republican priorities on defense, election integrity and Israel.
Appearing on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," the former Navy SEAL and interior secretary criticized House Democrats for blocking the annual National Defense Authorization Act, a bipartisan bill that traditionally authorizes military programs and pay raises for service members.
"The Democrats are against two things," Zinke said. "They're against defense. They're against making sure our troops that are forward deployed can win decisively on our chosen field of battle or sea. And secondly, they don't want voter integrity."
Zinke also pointed to Republican-backed election legislation requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote and a photo ID when casting a ballot.
"The SAVE America Act demands that you should have an ID to vote and you should be a U.S. citizen," he said. "You need to have an ID to go into Costco."
House Democrats have argued their opposition to the defense bill stemmed from concerns over the administration's military actions involving Iran and disagreements with GOP policy provisions.
Democrats have also opposed Republican voting legislation, claiming it could make voting more difficult for eligible Americans, while Republicans say the measures are necessary to protect election integrity.
Zinke accused Democrats of repeatedly siding against mainstream American values, citing past votes related to Hamas following the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel.
"Half the Democrats could not condemn the actions of Hamas coming across the border on Oct. 7 and killing women and children," he said. "On our side of the aisle, we want to fund our defense ... and we want to make sure your vote counts."
The Montana Republican also criticized more than 100 House Democrats who voted for an unsuccessful amendment to eliminate $3.3 billion in U.S. security assistance for Israel during debate over State Department funding legislation.
"I stand with Israel, but I fight for America," Zinke said. "The United States also will do what's in the interest of our people."
Turning to Iran, Zinke said the Trump administration has established clear, non-negotiable objectives for the regime.
"There are four conditions that are not movable: no nukes for Iran, no nuclear material, no arsenal of destruction, and the straits have to be open," he said.
Drawing on his military experience, Zinke suggested President Donald Trump would continue to apply pressure to Iran's leadership if necessary.
"I think President Trump likely will do the same with the senior leadership, with the Iranian Guard," Zinke said, comparing the strategy to the U.S. military's high-value target campaign during the Iraq War.
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