Ratcliffe introduces bills to advance joint U.S.-Israel cybersecurity efforts

Bipartisan bills introduced by U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX) on Thursday would support joint cybersecurity research and develop efforts between the United States and Israel.

The United States-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act would establish a grant program to support joint cybersecurity research, while the United States-Israel Advanced Research Partnership Act would expand successful joint research and development programs to include cybersecurity initiatives.

Ratcliffe and U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) introduced the bills after exploring cybersecurity challenges during a congressional delegation trip to Israel in May.

“Israel is our strongest and most trusted ally in the Middle East, and I’m proud to be partnering with Rep. Langevin on efforts that will grow and strengthen this bond through long-term collaboration on cybersecurity efforts between our countries,” Ratcliffe said.

Under the United States-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act, peer-reviewed grant proposals would be considered based on requirements established by the secretary of homeland security and an advisory board with members from both countries.

“Our recent discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed just how important it is that we unite forces to formulate ongoing, effective strategies to best address the rapidly evolving cyber threats faced by both of our nations,” Ratcliffe said. “After all, cybersecurity is national security, and we must be doing everything we can to fortify ourselves from the very real dangers posed by malicious cyber actors.”

The United States-Israel Advance Research Partnership Act, meanwhile, would include cybersecurity efforts in the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency, which helps U.S. and Israeli entities advance early phase applied research.