Press Releases

  —  The United States-Israel Joint Drone Detection Cooperation Act, introduced by U.S. Representatives Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Charlie Crist (D-Fl.), passed the House last night as part of the Ileana Ros-Lehtinen U.S.-Israeli Security Assistance Authorization Act. This major legislative package updates agreements for U.S.-Israeli security assistance, cybersecurity, space policy and, with the inclusion of the Johnson-Crist legislation, a new partnership to combat drone attacks from Iran and other adversaries.

This action follows the Johnson-Crist proposal being signed into law in August as part of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act, annual legislation directing the United States' national security priorities. With its inclusion in these two major packages, the establishment of a strategic partnership with Israel to counter drones will move forward as part of United States foreign relations and national security policies.

Johnson released the following statement:

“For the second time now, Congress has reaffirmed the importance of our partnership with Israel and reinforced our efforts to combat evolving threats. With our proposal, Israel stands ready to take on adversaries with the full support of the United States. I look forward to many more years of partnership and collaboration to ensure the safety and security of both of our nations.”

Crist released the following statement:

"The need to bolster strategic partnerships with our ally Israel in the face of the emerging threat of drone attacks could not be more clear. The overwhelming support for our bipartisan proposal – in not one but two major U.S. policy packages – sends a strong message to our adversaries of the prioritization of this beneficial new partnership."