Budd, Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Bilateral Defense Programs between the U.S. and Israel
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral United States-Israel Framework for Upgraded Technologies, Unified Research, and Enhanced Security (FUTURES) Act today, which would strengthen cooperation on bilateral defense programs between the United States and Israel. This bill aims to expand and accelerate defense technology research, development, testing, evaluation, and industrial cooperation between both countries.
“The U.S. has a long history of working with our ally Israel on defense programs to counter unmanned aerial systems from our adversaries, strengthen missile defense, and detect and neutralize underground tunnels threatening the security of our two respective countries. The U.S.-Israel FUTURES Act offers an opportunity to strengthen existing bilateral programs by advancing joint investments such as emerging technologies, defense industrial base cooperation, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology initiatives. I am proud to be working with Senator Gillibrand to advance regional security in the Middle East and strengthen U.S. and Israeli defense,” said Senator Budd.
“This bipartisan initiative will enable long-term collaboration on shared security goals between the United States and our vital democratic ally Israel. We must strengthen our military and technological capabilities to counter continued and future threats in the region,” said Senator Gillibrand.
U.S. Representatives Ronny Jackson (R-Texas-13) and Don Davis (D-N.C.-01) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives.
“This legislation secures America’s competitive edge in defense technology and reinforces our alliance with Israel, our greatest partner in the Middle East, to deter evolving global threats. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are ensuring the technological supremacy of our military and delivering the unmatched capabilities our warfighters need to dominate the battlefield and protect the American people,” said Congressman Jackson.
“By establishing the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, we are fortifying a vital partnership, accelerating joint development, and transforming groundbreaking research into operational capabilities. As emerging threats like unmanned systems and electronic warfare evolve, technical cooperation stands as a critical pillar in preparing our servicemembers for the challenges of tomorrow,” said Congressman Davis.
Read the full bill text HERE.
BACKGROUND
The U.S.-Israel FUTURES Act builds upon Senator Budd’s support for existing cooperative programs between the U.S. and Israel:
Senator Budd has led the re-authorization of the U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnelling and Counter-UAS programs over the last two years.
Senator Budd has expressed his unwavering advocacy for the strategic security relationship between the U.S. and Israel, particularly as Israel seeks a new security deal with the U.S.
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