More than a dozen Israel, Iran NDAA amendments proposed for House consideration

Among the more than 800 amendments to the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act submitted for possible consideration on the House floor next week, more than a dozen address Middle East issues, including the U.S.-Israel relationship and Iran.

The proposed amendments must first be approved by the House Rules Committee, which will likely meet early next week, before receiving consideration on the House floor. The amendment submission period closed on Tuesday afternoon.

Two amendments propose new programs promoting U.S.-Israeli technology cooperation, including funding for joint cybersecurity partnerships and a joint artificial intelligence center. Both programs were introduced earlier this year as separate bipartisan bills in the House and Senate.

“Cyberattacks are the preeminent threat of our time. In order to protect ourselves from cyber criminals, we must work closely together with our allies to strengthen our collective cyber posture,” Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), who proposed the cybersecurity partnerships amendment, told Jewish Insider. “I am pleased that this effort to facilitate a stronger cyber partnership with Israel is moving forward and am hopeful the House will vote favorably should it come to the floor next week.”

Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI), the cosponsor of the cybersecurity partnership amendments, said, “As cyber criminals continue to wreak havoc on Americans, we must double down on our investments in cutting-edge cyber research and development. Israel has established itself as a global cybersecurity powerhouse, so it’s vital we expand collaboration between the cyber experts at the Department of Homeland Security and our steadfast ally.”