United States-Israel Framework for Upgraded Technologies, Unified Research, and Enhanced Security (FUTURES) Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 3855
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-12: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-17T11:03:26Z
AI-Generated Summary
United States-Israel Framework for Upgraded Technologies, Unified Research, and Enhanced Security (FUTURES) Act of 2026
Purpose
This legislation aims to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation between the United States and Israel by creating a new initiative for joint research, development, and integration of defense technologies. It builds on existing ties to address shared security challenges and promote technological innovation.
Key Provisions
- Establishes the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, led by the Secretary of Defense in coordination with Israel's Minister of Defense.
- Outlines cooperative activities in areas such as counter-unmanned systems, anti-tunneling technologies, missile and air defense (including Golden Dome for America), artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, directed energy, cyber defense, biotechnology, and defense industrial base cooperation.
- Requires coordination with other U.S. agencies like the Departments of State and Commerce to align with existing laws.
- Mandates an interim progress update within 180 days and annual reports to congressional defense committees on activities, progress, partnerships, and technology transitions.
- Authorizes $150,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2029.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new structured initiative without directly amending prior statutes. It expands on the 2016 U.S.-Israel memorandum of understanding by formalizing mechanisms for technology integration, joint ventures, and co-production, while adding reporting and funding requirements to existing defense cooperation frameworks.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Increases coordination among the Department of Defense (including units like the Defense Innovation Unit and Missile Defense Agency), State Department, and Commerce Department, potentially requiring new administrative processes.
- Citizens: May support U.S. economic growth through industry partnerships and manufacturing but could involve taxpayer funding for the authorized appropriations.
- International relations: Reinforces the U.S.-Israel strategic alliance, potentially influencing relations with other nations by emphasizing joint defense capabilities.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Department of Defense and Israeli Ministry of Defense.
- Congressional defense committees (Senate and House Armed Services and Appropriations Committees).
- U.S. and Israeli private sector companies, academic institutions, and military services.
- Broader defense industrial bases in both countries.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Emphasizes protection of sensitive technologies and national security interests, with provisions for unclassified public updates that avoid compromising classified information.
- No apparent constitutional conflicts, as it operates within existing foreign affairs and defense authorities.
- Reflects bipartisan support and focuses on maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge while advancing U.S. technological supremacy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (19)
Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL], Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-12: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 2026-02-12: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- United States-Israel Framework for Upgraded Technologies, Unified Research, and Enhanced Security (FUTURES) Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-12 — PDF (8 pages)