Bill would expand U.S.-Israel joint defense and drone programs
Officially: United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025
The bill would grow U.S.-Israel military tech work, especially on drones, tunnels, missile defense, and newer defense tools. It sets up new programs, extends older ones, and calls for more reports to Congress. Congress would still have to provide the money later.
Where it stands
Sitting in Armed Services
No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.
- Creates a new U.S.-Israel program to stop drones and other unmanned threats. The two countries would jointly develop, test, review, and deploy the technology.
- Requires the Department of Defense to set up a dedicated office to run that joint counter-unmanned systems program.
- Allows $150 million a year for the counter-unmanned systems program from fiscal year 2026 through 2030.
↓ Why your message matters here
This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.
The debate
What people are saying about this bill
- Could help the United States and Israel stop drones, tunnels, and missiles more effectively. The bill treats those threats as growing dangers to both countries.
- Could speed up work on important defense tools like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Sharing research costs could also lower the burden on each country.
- Could create clearer rules for who pays, how sensitive information is handled, and how Congress watches the programs. The bill does that through formal offices, written agreements, and required reports.
- Could lock the United States into higher defense spending tied to Israel. Some people may see that as too costly or as taking money away from other needs.
- Could increase the risk that sensitive U.S. technology or information is misused, leaked, or shared too widely. Deeper technology sharing can create more exposure.
- Could make U.S. relations harder with other countries in the region that do not share Israel's views or interests. That could complicate wider diplomacy.
Where this bill is in the process
Legislative timeline
Introduced
Introduced in House
House Committee
Under House committee consideration
Latest: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (2/12/2025)
House Floor Vote
Voted on by House
Passed House
Approved by House
Senate Review
Sent to Senate for consideration
Passed Both Chambers
Approved by both House and Senate
Signed into Law
Signed by the President
For more detail