United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · S 554
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 554International Affairs
United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025
INTRO FEB 12· LAST ACTION FEB 12
READING
9MIN
COSPONSORS
32BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care because this bill represents a significant investment in international defense cooperation, specifically strengthening the military capabilities of both the United States and Israel. It aims to address modern security threats, particularly the growing use of unmanned systems like drones and the challenges posed by underground tunnels, which have proven to be effective tools for adversaries. By fostering joint development of advanced technologies in areas like AI and cybersecurity, the bill seeks to ensure that both countries remain at the forefront of military innovation.
If this bill becomes law, it will formalize and expand several critical defense programs, allocating substantial funds to them and extending their duration. This means more resources will be dedicated to developing and deploying systems designed to protect against evolving threats, potentially enhancing the security of both nations. If it doesn't pass, these expanded programs and increased funding would not be enacted, potentially slowing down the development of crucial counter-threat technologies and limiting the scope of U.S.-Israel defense collaboration.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Establishes a new "United States-Israel Counter-Unmanned Systems Program" for joint research, development, testing, and deployment of technologies to counter unmanned systems.
Creates a dedicated, formal structure to address a rapidly evolving and significant modern military threat, improving mutual defense capabilities.
PROVISION 02
Increases funding for the United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation from $50 million to $80 million and extends its duration until December 31, 2028.
Provides more resources and extends the timeframe for an existing program that counters a specific and dangerous threat (tunnels).
PROVISION 03
Increases funding for the United States-Israel Cooperation to Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems from $55 million to $75 million and extends its duration until December 31, 2028.
Boosts support and extends an existing program focused on countering drone threats, which are increasingly common in conflicts.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish new joint research and development programs with Israel in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, quantum, and automation.
Positions both countries to collaborate on cutting-edge military technologies crucial for future defense challenges.
Voters should care because this bill represents a significant investment in international defense cooperation, specifically strengthening the military capabilities of both the United States and Israel. It aims to address modern security threats, particularly the growing use of unmanned systems like drones and the challenges posed by underground tunnels, which have proven to be effective tools for adversaries. By fostering joint development of advanced technologies in areas like AI and cybersecurity, the bill seeks to ensure that both countries remain at the forefront of military innovation.
If this bill becomes law, it will formalize and expand several critical defense programs, allocating substantial funds to them and extending their duration. This means more resources will be dedicated to developing and deploying systems designed to protect against evolving threats, potentially enhancing the security of both nations. If it doesn't pass, these expanded programs and increased funding would not be enacted, potentially slowing down the development of crucial counter-threat technologies and limiting the scope of U.S.-Israel defense collaboration.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a new "United States-Israel Counter-Unmanned Systems Program" for joint research, development, testing, and deployment of technologies to counter unmanned systems.
Creates a dedicated, formal structure to address a rapidly evolving and significant modern military threat, improving mutual defense capabilities.
med
Increases funding for the United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation from $50 million to $80 million and extends its duration until December 31, 2028.
Provides more resources and extends the timeframe for an existing program that counters a specific and dangerous threat (tunnels).
med
Increases funding for the United States-Israel Cooperation to Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems from $55 million to $75 million and extends its duration until December 31, 2028.
Boosts support and extends an existing program focused on countering drone threats, which are increasingly common in conflicts.
high
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish new joint research and development programs with Israel in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, quantum, and automation.
Positions both countries to collaborate on cutting-edge military technologies crucial for future defense challenges.
Not later than 1 year after enactment, and annually thereafter.
Secretary of Defense must submit an annual report on the United States-Israel Counter-Unmanned Systems Program.
December 31, 2028.
United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation program expires.
December 31, 2028.
United States-Israel Cooperation to Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems program expires.
Before activities may be carried out.
Secretary of Defense must submit a report, including a memorandum of agreement and cost-sharing certification, before beginning activities for the United States-Israel Emerging Technology Capabilities Cooperation program.
United States-Israel Counter-Unmanned Systems Program
discretionary
fiscal years 2026 through 2030
$80,000,000
United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation
discretionary
for the program's duration, extended to Dec 31, 2028
$75,000,000
United States-Israel Cooperation to Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems
discretionary
for the program's duration, extended to Dec 31, 2028
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Unmanned Systems
Vehicles or devices, such as drones, that operate without a human pilot or crew on board, often controlled remotely or autonomously.
Defense Industrial Base
The network of government and private-sector companies, facilities, and personnel that provide goods and services needed for national defense.
Sense of Congress
A statement by Congress expressing its opinion or policy preference on a matter, which does not have the force of law but indicates legislative intent.
Authorization of Appropriations
A legislative act that establishes a government program or agency and specifies the maximum amount of money that Congress is permitted to spend on it for a given period, though the actual spending must be approved in a separate appropriations bill.
Bilateral defense cooperation
Military or security collaboration between two countries to address common threats, share resources, and develop joint capabilities.
Counter-unmanned systems technology
Technology and methods used to detect, track, identify, and defeat unmanned systems like drones, preventing them from achieving their intended purpose.
Emerging technologies
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
FEB 12, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 12, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
New scientific and technological developments that have the potential for significant impact, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced robotics.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
A written document that outlines the terms and details of a mutual understanding or agreement between two or more parties, often used in government for cooperative projects.
