Suozzi Helps Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster US-Israel Cooperation on COVID-19 Medical Research

Reps. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Lance Gooden (R-TX),) and David Kustoff (R-TN) recently introduced the bipartisan Expanding Medical Partnerships with Israel to Lessen Dependence on China Act. The legislation authorizes a new partnership program to enhance cooperation between the United States and Israel with the aim of developing innovative approaches for treating and potentially curing COVID-19. The bill comes after Israeli researchers announced that they had succeeded in identifying a key coronavirus antibody. In addition to this bipartisan bill, the four Members of Congress are also pushing for the inclusion of $12 million, which would be matched by Israel, to fund the new research partnership in any future legislation to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates the US to work with our allies in an all hands-on deck, global approach. I have always been a staunch supporter of the US-Israel alliance and by standing together and combining our efforts, we can potentially accelerate the timeline toward a treatment and save lives. I am proud to co-lead this legislation that reinforces US-Israel bilateral ties and counters the Chinese government’s attempts at global supply chain dominance,” said Rep. Suozzi. “Additionally, as a Member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, I believe the US must work to lessen our dependence on the Chinese Communist Party, which does not share our values. Not only do they cheat economically, but they continue to commit unconscionable and horrific human rights abuses against their own people.”

“Israeli researchers are conducting groundbreaking work on COVID-19 and taking significant strides towards the development of an effective treatment and vaccine,” said Rep. Pappas. “The partnership between the United States and Israel is strong, and I believe we should be bringing the brightest minds and the most innovative companies in our two countries together to tackle this crisis. In this fight, as in so many others, America is stronger when we work with our allies to confront our shared challenges.”   

"This bipartisan legislation will equip our allies with the resources needed to fight the invisible enemy. I'm a firm believer that both the United States and Israel are stronger when working together," said Rep. Gooden. "In these uncertain times, we recognize the importance of demonstrating a united front against China.”

“The United States and Israel are world leaders in the medical technology industry. It’s long past time we end our dependence on China and enhance our partnership with our great ally Israel to develop innovative medical technologies to treat and cure COVID-19. It’s in the benefit of not only our two countries, but also the rest of the world. I look forward to getting this bill passed and ensuring American and Israeli companies can work together to defeat this current pandemic,” said Rep. Kustoff