The United States-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act, which aims to create a cybersecurity grant program for joint research and development initiatives between American and Israeli organizations, advanced the U.S House of Representatives earlier this week.
The bill was introduced by U.S. Reps. John Ratcliffe (R-TX) and Jim Langevin (D-RI).
“Israel is America’s strongest and most strategic ally in the Middle East, and I’m glad the House just passed our bill to further fortify this strategic partnership through enhanced joint cybersecurity efforts,” Ratcliffe said.
Under provisions included in the legislation, the cybersecurity grant program will determine research requirements with help form an advisory board made up of members from the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation and the United States-Israel Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation.
“The United States and Israel have an opportunity here to work together to develop innovative solutions to the threats we face in cyberspace,” Langevin said. “We have a mutual interest in strengthening our cyber defenses, and I believe this legislation will fortify our productive partnership in tackling the cyber threats of today and the future.”
Similar legislation, the United States-Israel Advanced Research Partnership Act of 2016, was also authored by Ratcliffe and Langevin and was signed into law during the 114th Congress.