Today, the House of Representatives passed the U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act, a bill introduced by Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), Ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Subcommittee Chairman.  H.R. 938 aims to enhance cooperation between the United States and Israel on multiple fronts, such as security, military readiness, energy, trade, and more. With more than three quarters of House membership signed onto the bill as cosponsors, the legislation was passed by a vote of 410-1.

“The Middle East is as volatile as ever and the world must know that U.S. support for Israel has never been stronger,” said Congressman Deutch in a speech delivered on the House floor last night. “Even as this bill advances the security of Israel, it ultimately serves as a reminder to the world of the depth of the United States-Israel relationship… Despite enormous security challenges, our ally Israel has thrived as an open and free society with a vibrant economy, a strong democracy, and a global innovator in agriculture, energy, and countless other fields. The United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act reflects our bipartisan commitment to a safe, to a secure and thriving Jewish State of Israel.”

The U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act’s provisions:
• Declare Israel to be a major strategic partner of the United States
• Authorize the President to promote cooperation with Israel in the fields of energy, irrigation, agriculture, cybersecurity, and more
• Authorize the Department of Defense to transfer excess weapons to Israel and enhances U.S. military readiness by expanding our  own forward-deployed weapons stockpile there 
• Urge the President to support the continued procurement and enhancement of missile defense systems such as Arrow 2, Arrow 3, David’s Sling, and the Iron Dome 
• Express support in Congress for the inclusion of Israel in the Visa Waiver program
• Advance negotiations aimed at securing Strategic Trade Authorization for Israel