United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1229
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-12: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T08:05:35Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 aims to strengthen military ties between the United States and Israel by expanding joint efforts to address shared security threats, such as unmanned systems (drones and similar technologies), tunnels, emerging technologies, and missile defenses. It promotes collaboration in research, development, and deployment to enhance mutual defense capabilities.
Key Provisions
- Sense of Congress (Sec. 2): Affirms the close historic, cultural, and security bonds between the U.S. and Israel, emphasizing the need for expanded defense partnerships to counter evolving threats through joint technology development.
- U.S.-Israel Program on Countering Unmanned Systems (Sec. 3):
- Establishes a new bilateral program to develop, test, and deploy technologies against unmanned systems threats.
- Includes joint research with government, private sector, and academic partners; shared expertise and data; training exercises; and a new Program Office within the Department of Defense (DoD).
- Requires annual reports to Congress on activities, progress, and recommendations.
- Authorizes $150 million annually from fiscal years 2026 to 2030.
- Extension and Modification of Anti-Tunnel Cooperation (Sec. 4): Increases annual funding from $50 million to $80 million and extends the program from December 31, 2026, to December 31, 2028.
- Extension and Modification of Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems Cooperation (Sec. 5): Increases annual funding from $55 million to $75 million and extends the program from December 31, 2026, to December 31, 2028.
- U.S.-Israel Emerging Technology Capabilities Cooperation (Sec. 6):
- Authorizes joint research, development, testing, and evaluation in fields like artificial intelligence (AI; systems that mimic human intelligence), cybersecurity (protecting digital systems from attacks), robotics, quantum (advanced computing using quantum physics), and automation.
- Requires a memorandum of agreement on cost-sharing, intellectual property rights (legal ownership of inventions), and semiannual Israeli reports on fund use before starting activities.
- Designates the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate as the lead DoD agency.
- Mandates semiannual reports to Congress.
- Authorizes $50 million annually from fiscal years 2026 to 2030.
- Extension of War Reserves Stockpile Authority (Sec. 7): Extends U.S. authority to store and maintain defense equipment in Israel from January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2029.
- Establishment of Defense Innovation Unit Office in Israel (Sec. 8): Requires DoD to set up an office in Israel within 180 days to collaborate with Israeli defense officials and private sector on countering Iran's dual-use technologies (items that serve both civilian and military purposes).
- National Technology Industrial Base (Sec. 9): Directs DoD to discuss Israel's potential inclusion in the U.S. national technology and industrial base (a framework for integrating allied defense industries) within 90 days.
- Assessment of Integrated Air and Missile Defense (Sec. 10):
- Requires DoD to evaluate air and missile defenses in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) region (covering the Middle East and parts of South Asia).
- Covers current capabilities, ways to strengthen them, and needs for expanded cooperation with Israel and other partners, including funding and legal authorities.
- Considers U.S. strategies, regional partnerships, and lessons from Iran's 2024 airstrikes on Israel.
- Requires a report to Congress within 180 days, in unclassified form with a possible classified addendum.
All provisions emphasize protecting sensitive information and national security interests, without altering existing U.S.-Israel agreements.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Funding Increases and Extensions: Boosts appropriations for anti-tunnel (from $50M to $80M/year) and counter-unmanned aerial systems (from $55M to $75M/year) programs, and extends both (plus the war reserves stockpile) by two years to 2028/2029.
- New Programs and Structures: Introduces the Counter-Unmanned Systems Program and Emerging Technology Cooperation authority, including dedicated DoD offices and reporting requirements not previously mandated at this scale.
- Integration Efforts: Adds discussions on Israel's inclusion in the U.S. national technology base and a regional missile defense assessment, building on prior laws like the National Defense Authorization Acts of 2016 and 2020.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The DoD will manage new programs, offices, and reports, requiring additional resources for coordination, research, and oversight. This could streamline joint operations but increase administrative burdens.
- Citizens: Indirect benefits through enhanced national security against threats like drones and missiles, potentially reducing risks to U.S. and allied personnel; no direct effects on daily life or rights.
- International Relations: Strengthens the U.S.-Israel alliance, fostering deeper military integration and potential cooperation with other Middle Eastern partners via CENTCOM. It may deter adversaries like Iran by showcasing unified defenses, while promoting technology sharing that bolsters regional stability.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Related Entities: Leads implementation, including new offices and assessments; coordinates with the State Department and National Intelligence Director.
- Israeli Ministry of Defense and Private Sector: Key partners in joint programs, benefiting from funding, technology access, and innovation hubs.
- Congressional Committees: Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees receive reports and oversee funding.
- Private Sector and Academia: In both countries, involved in research and development, gaining opportunities for collaboration and intellectual property.
- Regional Partners: U.S. allies in the CENTCOM area (e.g., other Middle Eastern nations) may see expanded defense cooperation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Authorizes specific appropriations and extensions without creating new obligations, ensuring compliance with existing bilateral agreements. Requires cost-sharing and transparency (e.g., intellectual property frameworks) to protect U.S. interests.
- Constitutional: Falls within Congress's enumerated powers over defense, appropriations, and foreign affairs (Article I, Section 8), with no apparent conflicts to separation of powers or individual rights.
- Political: Reinforces bipartisan support for the U.S.-Israel relationship, signaling commitment to countering shared threats amid regional tensions (e.g., Iran). Could influence future defense budgets and alliances but may draw scrutiny over funding priorities in a constrained fiscal environment.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (180)
Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Reschenthaler, Guy [R-PA-14], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Jack, Brian [R-GA-3], Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Hunt, Wesley [R-TX-38], Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Strong, Dale W. [R-AL-5], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert [R-PA-8], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Wagner, Ann [R-MO-2], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8] and 130 more
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-12: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-12: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-12: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-12 — PDF (12 pages)