U.S.-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act (H.R. 1837)

The U.S.-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act (H.R. 1837) passed by the House of Representatives seeks to expand and deepen U.S.-Israel bilateral security and economic cooperation. The bill specifically enhances existing cooperation in cyber, directed energy, industrial research, space, desalination, post-traumatic stress and food security.

In addition, the bill:

• Authorizes increased security assistance to Israel, as called for in the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding on security assistance (MOU).
• Authorizes the immediate transfer of military equipment to Israel upon a presidential determination that Israel is under an existing or imminent threat of military attack.
• Authorizes the transfer from reserve stocks of precision guided munitions to Israel.
• Authorizes a $1 billion increase over five years for the U.S. War Reserve Stockpile in Israel.
• Extends loan guarantees to Israel through 2025.
• Authorizes $55 million for cooperative programs with Israel over five years, including:
  • $12 million for the U.S.-Israel Energy Center;
  • $21 million for agricultural cooperation, including food and nutrition;
  • $10 million for cooperative projects among the United States, Israel, and developing countries;
  • $6 million for energy, water, homeland security, agriculture, and alternative fuel technologies; and
  • $6 million for health technologies.

Source: “U.S.-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act (H.R. 1837),” AIPAC, (March 2019);
Congress.gov.