Thread by @AIPAC

AIPAC applauds the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for adopting the United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2020 (S. 3176). (1/9)

This important bipartisan legislation seeks to ensure that Israel has the means to defend itself, by itself, against continuing regional security threats.

This bill authorizes agreed-upon increases in Israel’s security assistance. (2/9)

It encourages expanding U.S. weapons stockpiles in Israel and advancing U.S.-Israel cooperation in directed energy technologies and space. (3/9)

Importantly, the committee also included an initiative to enhance partnerships between companies in the United States and Israel to develop innovative medical projects aimed at detecting, treating and curing COVID-19. (4/9)

Israel is one of the world’s leading innovators in the health sector and is already working closely with the U.S. on coronavirus vaccines, treatments and enhanced diagnostics. (5/9)

Major provisions include:

▪️ Authorizing U.S. security assistance to Israel as called for in the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding on security assistance. (6/9)

▪️ Extending authorization for the U.S. War Reserve Stockpile in Israel by five years and authorizing an additional $1 billion in stocks.

▪️ Authorizing the establishment of a directed energy program with Israel. (7/9)

▪️ Authorizing a total of $18 million for U.S.-Israel cooperation in energy, water, agriculture and alternative fuel technologies.

▪️ Authorizing $10 million to finance cooperative projects among the United States, Israel, and developing countries. (8/9)

AIPAC appreciates the leadership of @SenRubioPress (R-FL), @ChrisCoons (D-DE), @SenTedCruz (R-TX), @SenatorRisch (R-ID) and @SenatorMenendez (D-NJ) in adopting this important legislation.

We urge the Senate to pass this vital bill. (9/9)