WASHINGTON, D.C., February 13, 2025 — FDD Action today applauded the introduction of H.R. 1229 / S. 544, the United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025. This critical legislation advances U.S.-Israel defense collaboration by expanding joint efforts to counter emerging threats.
This bipartisan, bicameral effort is being led by Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Donald Norcross (D-NJ) in the House of Representatives and Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Gary Peters (D-MI), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) in the Senate.
The bill seeks to dramatically enhance counter-unmanned systems (C-UAS) programs, providing advanced capabilities to detect and neutralize hostile drones; extend the War Reserve Stockpile for Israel (WRSA-I) to ensure Israel has timely access to essential defense supplies in times of crisis; and increase funding for U.S.-Israel joint programs that reinforce cooperative research and development efforts to protect both nations from asymmetric threats.
“At a time when hostile actors increasingly rely on drones and underground tunnels to threaten regional and global stability, strengthening U.S.-Israel defense collaboration is more critical than ever,” said Nick Stewart, Senior Director of Advocacy at FDD Action. “H.R. 1229/S. 554 ensures that our partnership remains at the forefront of innovation, providing cutting-edge solutions to counter evolving threats. This legislation underscores the unwavering commitment of the United States to Israel’s security while advancing shared defense capabilities that benefit both nations. FDD Action strongly supports this bipartisan legislation and urges its swift passage to bolster the security of Israel and the United States.”
Key Provisions of H.R. 1229/S. 544:
• Counter-UAS Development: Expands U.S.-Israel joint programs to detect and neutralize unmanned aerial threats through advanced technologies.
• War Reserve Stockpile—Israel (WRSA-I):Extends and enhances the stockpile, ensuring the rapid transfer of critical defense supplies to Israel during crises.
• Tunnel Detection Capabilities:Increases funding and cooperation for joint research on tunnel detection technologies, strengthening defenses against asymmetric threats.
About FDD Action:
FDD Action is a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)(4) organization established to advocate for effective policies to promote U.S. national security and defend free nations. Founded in 2019, FDD Action combines policy analysis and direct advocacy to propose and support policy solutions to national security challenges confronting the United States and its allies.
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