[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 23, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H7188-H7198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1615
 UNITED STATES-ISRAEL COOPERATION ENHANCEMENT AND REGIONAL SECURITY ACT

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 1837) to make improvements to certain defense and security 
assistance provisions and to authorize assistance for Israel, and for 
other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 1837

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``United 
     States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security 
     Act''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title and table of contents.

   TITLE I--ENHANCED COOPERATION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL

Sec. 101. Coordinator of United States-Israel Research and Development.
Sec. 102. Cooperation on directed energy capabilities.
Sec. 103. Cooperation on cybersecurity.
Sec. 104. Report on potential benefits and impact to the United States 
              of establishing a joint United States-Israel 
              Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.
Sec. 105. Cyber diplomacy officer.
Sec. 106. United States Agency for International Development 
              Memorandum-Israel enhanced cooperation.
Sec. 107. Cooperative projects among the United States, Israel, and 
              developing countries.
Sec. 108. Joint cooperative program related to innovation and high-tech 
              for the Middle East region.
Sec. 109. Sense of Congress on Eastern Mediterranean energy 
              cooperation.
Sec. 110. Cooperation on other matters.

                TITLE II--SECURITY ASSISTANCE FOR ISRAEL

Sec. 201. Findings.
Sec. 202. Statement of policy.
Sec. 203. Contingency plans to provide Israel with necessary defense 
              articles and services.
Sec. 204. Waiver for existing or imminent military threat to Israel.
Sec. 205. Security assistance for Israel.
Sec. 206. Joint assessment of quantity of precision guided munitions 
              for use by Israel.
Sec. 207. Transfer of precision guided munitions to Israel.
Sec. 208. Sense of Congress on rapid acquisition and deployment 
              procedures.

[[Page H7189]]

Sec. 209. Extension of War Reserves Stockpile authority.
Sec. 210. Eligibility of Israel for the strategic trade authorization 
              exception to certain export control licensing 
              requirements.
Sec. 211. Extension of loan guarantees to Israel.
Sec. 212. Definition.

 TITLE III--JUSTICE FOR UNITED STATES VICTIMS OF PALESTINIAN TERRORISM

Sec. 301. Short title.
Sec. 302. Facilitation of the settlement of terrorism-related claims of 
              nationals of the United States.
Sec. 303. Modification to consent of certain parties to personal 
              jurisdiction.

                      TITLE IV--BUDGETARY EFFECTS

Sec. 401. Determination of budgetary effects.

   TITLE I--ENHANCED COOPERATION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL

     SEC. 101. COORDINATOR OF UNITED STATES-ISRAEL RESEARCH AND 
                   DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) In General.--The President is encouraged to designate 
     the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Oceans and 
     International Environmental and Scientific Affairs to act as 
     Coordinator of United States-Israel Research and Development 
     (in this section referred to as the ``Coordinator'').
       (b) Authorities and Duties.--The Coordinator, in 
     conjunction with the heads of relevant Federal Government 
     departments and agencies and in coordination with the Israel 
     Innovation Authority, shall oversee civilian science and 
     technology programs on a joint basis with Israel.
       (c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the 
     Coordinator shall submit to the appropriate congressional 
     committees a report on the implementation of this section.
       (d) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

     SEC. 102. COOPERATION ON DIRECTED ENERGY CAPABILITIES.

       (a) Authority.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense, upon request of 
     the Ministry of Defense of Israel and with the concurrence of 
     the Secretary of State, is authorized to carry out research, 
     development, test, and evaluation activities, on a joint 
     basis with Israel, to establish directed energy capabilities 
     that address threats to the United States, deployed forces of 
     the United States, or Israel. Any activities carried out 
     pursuant to such authority shall be conducted in a manner 
     that appropriately protects sensitive information and the 
     national security interests of the United States and the 
     national security interests of Israel.
       (2) Report.--The activities described in paragraph (1) may 
     be carried out after the Secretary of Defense submits to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a report setting forth 
     the following:
       (A) A memorandum of agreement between the United States and 
     Israel regarding sharing of research and development costs 
     for the capabilities described in paragraph (1), and any 
     supporting documents.
       (B) A certification that the memorandum of agreement--
       (i) requires sharing of costs of projects, including in-
     kind support, between the United States and Israel;
       (ii) establishes a framework to negotiate the rights to any 
     intellectual property developed under the memorandum of 
     agreement; and
       (iii) requires the United States Government to receive 
     semiannual reports on expenditure of funds, if any, by the 
     Government of Israel, including a description of what the 
     funds have been used for, when funds were expended, and an 
     identification of entities that expended the funds.
       (b) Support in Connection With Activities.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense is authorized to 
     provide maintenance and sustainment support to Israel for the 
     directed energy capabilities research, development, test, and 
     evaluation activities authorized in subsection (a)(1). Such 
     authority includes authority to install equipment necessary 
     to carry out such research, development, test, and 
     evaluation.
       (2) Report.--The support described in paragraph (1) may not 
     be provided until 15 days after the Secretary of Defense 
     submits to the appropriate congressional committees a report 
     setting forth a detailed description of the support to be 
     provided.
       (3) Matching contribution.--The support described in 
     paragraph (1) may not be provided unless the Secretary of 
     Defense certifies to the appropriate congressional committees 
     that the Government of Israel will contribute to such 
     support--
       (A) an amount equal to not less than the amount of support 
     to be so provided; or
       (B) an amount that otherwise meets the best efforts of 
     Israel, as mutually agreed to by the United States and 
     Israel.
       (c) Lead Agency.--The Secretary of Defense shall designate 
     an appropriate research and development entity of a military 
     department as the lead agency of the Department of Defense in 
     carrying out this section.
       (d) Semiannual Report.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
     submit to the appropriate congressional committees on a 
     semiannual basis a report that contains a copy of the most 
     recent semiannual report provided by the Government of Israel 
     to the Department of Defense pursuant to subsection 
     (a)(2)(B)(iii).
       (e) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Homeland Security, and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; 
     and
       (2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations, the Committee on Homeland Security and 
     Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of 
     the Senate.

     SEC. 103. COOPERATION ON CYBERSECURITY.

       (a) Grant Program.--
       (1) Establishment.--The Secretary, in accordance with the 
     agreement entitled the ``Agreement between the Government of 
     the United States of America and the Government of the State 
     of Israel on Cooperation in Science and Technology for 
     Homeland Security Matters'', dated May 29, 2008 (or successor 
     agreement), and the requirements specified in paragraph (2), 
     shall establish a grant program at the Department to 
     support--
       (A) cybersecurity research and development; and
       (B) demonstration and commercialization of cybersecurity 
     technology.
       (2) Requirements.--
       (A) Applicability.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, in carrying out a research, development, demonstration, 
     or commercial application program or activity that is 
     authorized under this section, the Secretary shall require 
     cost sharing in accordance with this paragraph.
       (B) Research and development.--
       (i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), the 
     Secretary shall require not less than 50 percent of the cost 
     of a research, development, demonstration, or commercial 
     application program or activity described in subparagraph (A) 
     to be provided by a non-Federal source.
       (ii) Reduction.--The Secretary may reduce or eliminate, on 
     a case-by-case basis, the percentage requirement specified in 
     clause (i) if the Secretary determines that such reduction or 
     elimination is necessary and appropriate.
       (C) Merit review.--In carrying out a research, development, 
     demonstration, or commercial application program or activity 
     that is authorized under this section, awards shall be made 
     only after an impartial review of the scientific and 
     technical merit of the proposals for such awards has been 
     carried out by or for the Department.
       (D) Review processes.--In carrying out a review under 
     subparagraph (C), the Secretary may use merit review 
     processes developed under section 302(14) of the Homeland 
     Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 182(14)).
       (3) Eligible applicants.--An applicant shall be eligible to 
     receive a grant under this subsection if the project of such 
     applicant--
       (A) addresses a requirement in the area of cybersecurity 
     research or cybersecurity technology, as determined by the 
     Secretary; and
       (B) is a joint venture between--
       (i)(I) a for-profit business entity, academic institution, 
     National Laboratory (as defined in section 2 of the Energy 
     Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801)), or nonprofit entity in 
     the United States; and
       (II) a for-profit business entity, academic institution, or 
     nonprofit entity in Israel; or
       (ii)(I) the Federal Government; and
       (II) the Government of Israel.
       (4) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this subsection, an applicant shall submit to the Secretary 
     an application for such grant in accordance with procedures 
     established by the Secretary, in consultation with the 
     advisory board established under paragraph (5).
       (5) Advisory board.--
       (A) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an 
     advisory board to--
       (i) monitor the method by which grants are awarded under 
     this subsection; and
       (ii) provide to the Secretary periodic performance reviews 
     of actions taken to carry out this subsection.
       (B) Composition.--The advisory board established under 
     subparagraph (A) shall be composed of three members, to be 
     appointed by the Secretary, of whom--
       (i) one shall be a representative of the Federal 
     Government;
       (ii) one shall be selected from a list of nominees provided 
     by the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation; 
     and
       (iii) one shall be selected from a list of nominees 
     provided by the United States-Israel Binational Industrial 
     Research and Development Foundation.
       (6) Contributed funds.--Notwithstanding any other provision 
     of law, the Secretary may accept or retain funds contributed 
     by any person, government entity, or organization for 
     purposes of carrying out this subsection. Such funds shall be 
     available, subject to appropriation, without fiscal year 
     limitation.
       (7) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     completion of a project for which a grant is provided under 
     this subsection, the

[[Page H7190]]

     grant recipient shall submit to the Secretary a report that 
     contains--
       (A) a description of how the grant funds were used by the 
     recipient; and
       (B) an evaluation of the level of success of each project 
     funded by the grant.
       (8) Classification.--Grants shall be awarded under this 
     subsection only for projects that are considered to be 
     unclassified by both the United States and Israel.
       (b) Termination.--The grant program and the advisory board 
     established under this section terminate on the date that is 
     7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (c) No Additional Funds Authorized.--No additional funds 
     are authorized to carry out the requirements of this section. 
     Such requirements shall be carried out using amounts 
     otherwise authorized.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section--
       (1) the term ``cybersecurity research'' means research, 
     including social science research, into ways to identify, 
     protect against, detect, respond to, and recover from 
     cybersecurity threats;
       (2) the term ``cybersecurity technology'' means technology 
     intended to identify, protect against, detect, respond to, 
     and recover from cybersecurity threats;
       (3) the term ``cybersecurity threat'' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 102 of the Cybersecurity Information 
     Sharing Act of 2015 (enacted as title I of the Cybersecurity 
     Act of 2015 (division N of the Consolidated Appropriations 
     Act, 2016 (Public Law 114-113)));
       (4) the term ``Department'' means the Department of 
     Homeland Security; and
       (5) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Homeland 
     Security.

     SEC. 104. REPORT ON POTENTIAL BENEFITS AND IMPACT TO THE 
                   UNITED STATES OF ESTABLISHING A JOINT UNITED 
                   STATES-ISRAEL CYBERSECURITY CENTER OF 
                   EXCELLENCE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall 
     submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report 
     examining the potential benefits and impact to the United 
     States of establishing a joint United States-Israel 
     Cybersecurity Center of Excellence based in the United States 
     and Israel to leverage the experience, knowledge, and 
     expertise of institutions of higher education (as such term 
     is defined in subsection (a) or (b) of section 101 of the 
     Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), private 
     sector entities, and government entities in the area of 
     cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure (as 
     such term is defined in subsection (e) of section 1016 of the 
     Critical Infrastructures Protection Act of 2001 (42 U.S.C. 
     5195c; enacted in title X of the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 
     20 107-56))).
       (b) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Homeland Security of the House of Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.

     SEC. 105. CYBER DIPLOMACY OFFICER.

       The Secretary of State is encouraged to appoint a qualified 
     individual to assume the role of cyber diplomacy officer at 
     the United States Embassy in Israel.

     SEC. 106. UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 
                   MEMORANDUM-ISRAEL ENHANCED COOPERATION.

       (a) Statement of Policy.--It should be the policy of the 
     United States Agency for International Development to 
     cooperate with Israel in order to advance common goals across 
     a wide variety of sectors, including energy, agriculture and 
     food security, democracy, human rights and governance, 
     economic growth and trade, education, environment, global 
     health and water and sanitation.
       (b) Memorandum of Understanding.--The Secretary of State, 
     acting through the Administrator of the United States Agency 
     for International Development, is authorized to enter into 
     memoranda of understanding with Israel in order to advance 
     common goals on energy, agriculture and food security, 
     democracy, human rights and governance, economic growth and 
     trade, education, environment, global health and water 
     sanitation with a focus on strengthening mutual ties and 
     cooperation with nations throughout the world.

     SEC. 107. COOPERATIVE PROJECTS AMONG THE UNITED STATES, 
                   ISRAEL, AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.

       Section 106(f) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 
     U.S.C. 2151d) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(f) There are authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000 
     for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024 to finance 
     cooperative projects among the United States, Israel, and 
     developing countries that identify and support local 
     solutions to address sustainability challenges relating to 
     water resources, agriculture, and energy storage, including 
     for the following activities:
       ``(1) Establishing public-private partnerships.
       ``(2) Supporting the identification, research, development 
     testing, and scaling of innovations that focus on populations 
     that are vulnerable to environmental and resource-scarcity 
     crises, such as subsistence farming communities.
       ``(3) Seed or transition-to-scale funding, publicity and 
     marketing promotional support, or mentorship and partnership 
     brokering support.
       ``(4) Acceleration of demonstrations or applications of 
     local solutions to sustainability challenges, or the further 
     refinement, testing, or implementation of innovations that 
     have previously effectively addressed sustainability 
     challenges.''.

     SEC. 108. JOINT COOPERATIVE PROGRAM RELATED TO INNOVATION AND 
                   HIGH-TECH FOR THE MIDDLE EAST REGION.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the United States should help foster cooperation in the 
     Middle East region by financing and, where appropriate, 
     cooperating in projects related to innovation and high-tech; 
     and
       (2) such projects should--
       (A) contribute to development and the quality of life in 
     the Middle East region through the application of research 
     and technology; and
       (B) contribute to Arab-Israeli cooperation by establishing 
     strong working relationships that last beyond the life of 
     such projects.
       (b) Establishment.--The Secretary of State, acting through 
     the Administrator of the United States Agency for 
     International Development, is authorized to seek to establish 
     a program between the United States, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, 
     Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, and the West Bank and Gaza Strip 
     to provide for cooperation in the Middle East region by 
     financing and, where appropriate, cooperating in, projects 
     related to innovation and high-tech.
       (c) Project Requirements.--Each project carried out under 
     the program established by subsection (b)--
       (1) shall include participation from at least one entity of 
     Israel and one entity of Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, 
     Lebanon, and the West Bank and Gaza Strip; and
       (2) should include participation from a total of three or 
     more such entities to the maximum extent practicable.

     SEC. 109. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN ENERGY 
                   COOPERATION.

       It is the sense of Congress that cooperation between the 
     United States and Israel for the purpose of research and 
     development of energy sources would be in the national 
     interests of not only the United States and Israel, but also 
     of the other nations in the Eastern Mediterranean and North 
     Africa with similar natural gas finds.

     SEC. 110. COOPERATION ON OTHER MATTERS.

       (a) United States-Israel Energy Center.--There is 
     authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy 
     $4,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2020, 2021, and 2022 
     to carry out the activities of the United States-Israel 
     Energy Center established pursuant to section 917(d) of the 
     Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 
     17337(d)).
       (b) United States-Israel Binational Industrial Research and 
     Development Foundation.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     grants to promote covered energy projects conducted by or in 
     conjunction with the United States-Israel Binational 
     Industrial Research and Development Foundation should 
     continue to be funded at not less than $2,000,000 annually 
     under section 917(b) of the Energy Independence and Security 
     Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17337(b)).
       (c) United States-Israel Cooperation on Energy, Water, 
     Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Alternative Fuel 
     Technologies.--Section 7 of the United States-Israel 
     Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 (22 U.S.C. 8606) is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
     $2,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2020, 2021, and 
     2022.''.
       (d) Annual Policy Dialogue.--It is the sense of Congress 
     that the Department of Transportation and Israel's Ministry 
     of Transportation should engage in an annual policy dialogue 
     to implement the 2016 Memorandum of Cooperation signed by the 
     Secretary of Transportation and the Israeli Minister of 
     Transportation.
       (e) Cooperation on Space Exploration and Science 
     Initiatives.--The Administrator of the National Aeronautics 
     and Space Administration shall continue to work with the 
     Israel Space Agency to identify and cooperatively pursue 
     peaceful space exploration and science initiatives in areas 
     of mutual interest, taking all appropriate measures to 
     protect sensitive information, intellectual property, trade 
     secrets, and economic interests of the United States.
       (f) United States-Israel Binational Agricultural Research 
     and Development Fund.--
       (1) In general.--Section 1458(e)(2) of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291(e)(2)) is amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) include food and nutrition research and development 
     and the commercialization of the best practices identified 
     through such research and development.''.
       (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out subparagraph (C) of section 
     1458(e)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
     and Teaching Policy Act

[[Page H7191]]

     of 1977, as added by paragraph (1)(C), $7,000,000 for each of 
     the fiscal years 2020, 2021, and 2022.
       (3) Report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall 
     submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report 
     on activities of the United States-Israel Binational 
     Agricultural Research and Development Fund under section 
     1458(e) of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
     3291(e)).
       (B) Appropriate congressional committees defined.--In this 
     paragraph, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (i) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Agriculture of the House of Representatives; and
       (ii) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee 
     on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
       (g) Research and Development Cooperation Relating to 
     Desalination Technology.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the White House Office of Science 
     and Technology Policy shall submit to the appropriate 
     congressional committees a report on research and development 
     cooperation with international partners, such as the State of 
     Israel, in the area of desalination technology as required 
     under section 9(b)(3) of the Water Desalination Act of 1996 
     (42 U.S.C. 10301 note).
       (2) Appropriate congressional committees defined.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and
       (B) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.
       (h) Research and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress 
     Disorder.--It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs should seek to explore collaboration between 
     the Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers 
     and Centers of Excellence and Israeli institutions with 
     expertise in researching and treating posttraumatic stress 
     disorder.
       (i) Development of Health Technologies.--
       (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Secretary of Health and Human Services $2,000,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 2020, 2021, and 2022 to establish a 
     bilateral cooperative program with Israel for the development 
     of health technologies, including health technologies 
     described in paragraph (2), with an emphasis on 
     collaboratively advancing the use of technology, personalized 
     medicine, and data in relation to aging.
       (2) Types of health technologies.--The health technologies 
     described in this paragraph may include technologies such as 
     artificial intelligence, biofeedback, sensors, monitoring 
     devices, and kidney care.
       (j) Office of International Programs of the Food and Drug 
     Administration.--
       (1) In general.--It is the sense of Congress that the 
     Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration should seek 
     to explore collaboration with Israel through the Office of 
     International Programs.
       (2) Report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commissioner, acting through 
     the head of the Office of International Programs, shall 
     submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report 
     on the benefits to the United States and to Israel of opening 
     an office in Israel for the Office of International Programs.
       (B) Appropriate congressional committees defined.--In this 
     paragraph, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (i) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives; and
       (ii) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee 
     on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
       (k) Sense of Congress on United States-Israel Economic 
     Cooperation.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the United States-Israel economic partnership has 
     achieved great tangible and intangible benefits to both 
     countries and is a foundational component of the strong 
     alliance;
       (2) science and technology innovations present promising 
     new frontiers for United States-Israel economic cooperation, 
     particularly in light of widespread drought, cybersecurity 
     attacks, and other major challenges impacting the United 
     States; and
       (3) the President should regularize and expand existing 
     forums of economic dialogue with Israel and foster both 
     public and private sector participation.

                TITLE II--SECURITY ASSISTANCE FOR ISRAEL

     SEC. 201. FINDINGS.

       Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) On September 14, 2016, the United States and Israel 
     signed a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding reaffirming the 
     importance of continuing annual United States military 
     assistance to Israel and cooperative missile defense programs 
     in a way that enhances Israel's security and strengthens the 
     bilateral relationship between the two countries.
       (2) The 2016 Memorandum of Understanding reflected United 
     States support of Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant 
     assistance to Israel over the 10-year period beginning in 
     fiscal year 2019 and ending in fiscal year 2028. Such FMF 
     grant assistance would equal $3.3 billion annually, totaling 
     $33 billion.
       (3) The 2016 Memorandum of Understanding also reflected 
     United States support for funding for cooperative programs to 
     develop, produce, and procure missile, rocket and projectile 
     defense capabilities over a 10-year period beginning in 
     fiscal year 2019 and ending in fiscal year 2028 at a level of 
     $500 million annually, totaling $5 billion.

     SEC. 202. STATEMENT OF POLICY.

       It is the policy of the United States to provide assistance 
     to the Government of Israel in order to help enable Israel to 
     defend itself by itself and develop long-term capacity, 
     primarily through the acquisition of advanced capabilities 
     that are available from the United States.

     SEC. 203. CONTINGENCY PLANS TO PROVIDE ISRAEL WITH NECESSARY 
                   DEFENSE ARTICLES AND SERVICES.

       (a) In General.--The President, acting through the 
     Secretary of Defense and in consultation with the Secretary 
     of State, shall establish and update as appropriate 
     contingency plans to provide Israel with defense articles and 
     services that are determined by the Secretary of Defense to 
     be necessary for the defense of Israel.
       (b) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than one year after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually 
     thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with 
     the Secretary of State, shall brief the appropriate 
     congressional committees on the status of the contingency 
     plans required under subsection (a).

     SEC. 204. WAIVER FOR EXISTING OR IMMINENT MILITARY THREAT TO 
                   ISRAEL.

       Section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(l) Waiver for Existing or Imminent Military Threat to 
     Israel.--
       ``(1) In general.--Upon receiving information that Israel 
     is under an existing or imminent threat of military attack, 
     the President may waive the requirements of this Act and 
     direct the immediate transfer to Israel of such defense 
     articles or services the President determines to be necessary 
     to assist Israel in its defense against such threat. Amounts 
     obligated or expended to carry out this paragraph shall not 
     be subject to any limitation in law, or provision of any 
     bilateral agreement, relating to the amount of United States 
     assistance authorized to be made available to Israel.
       ``(2) Notification required.--As soon as practicable after 
     a transfer of defense articles or services pursuant to the 
     authority provided by paragraph (1), the President shall 
     provide a notification in writing to Congress of the details 
     of such transfer, consistent with the requirements of section 
     36 of this Act.''.

     SEC. 205. SECURITY ASSISTANCE FOR ISRAEL.

       Section 513(c) of the Security Assistance Act of 2000 
     (Public Law 106-280; 114 Stat. 856) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2002 and 2003'' and 
     inserting ``2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024'';
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``equal to--'' and all 
     that follows and inserting ``not less than $3,300,000,000.''; 
     and
       (3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``Funds authorized'' and 
     all that follows through ``later.'' and inserting ``Funds 
     authorized to be available for Israel under subsection (b)(1) 
     and paragraph (1) of this subsection for fiscal years 2020, 
     2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 shall be disbursed not later than 
     30 days after the date of the enactment of an Act making 
     appropriations for the Department of State, foreign 
     operations, and related programs for the respective fiscal 
     year, or October 31 of the respective fiscal year, whichever 
     is later.''.

     SEC. 206. JOINT ASSESSMENT OF QUANTITY OF PRECISION GUIDED 
                   MUNITIONS FOR USE BY ISRAEL.

       (a) In General.--The President, acting through the 
     Secretary of Defense and in consultation with the Secretary 
     of State, is authorized to conduct a joint assessment with 
     the Government of Israel with respect to the matters 
     described in subsection (b).
       (b) Matters Described.--The matters described in this 
     subsection are the following:
       (1) The quantity and type of precision guided munitions 
     that are necessary for Israel to combat Hezbollah in the 
     event of a sustained armed confrontation between Israel and 
     Hezbollah.
       (2) The quantity and type of precision guided munitions 
     that are necessary for Israel in the event of a sustained 
     armed confrontation with other armed groups and terrorist 
     organizations such as Hamas.
       (3) The resources the Government of Israel can plan to 
     dedicate to acquire such precision guided munitions.
       (4) United States planning to assist Israel to prepare for 
     the sustained armed confrontations described in paragraphs 
     (1) and (2) as well as the ability of the United States to 
     resupply Israel in the event of such confrontations described 
     in paragraphs (1) and (2), if any.
       (c) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 15 days after the date on 
     which the joint assessment authorized under subsection (a) is 
     completed, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the

[[Page H7192]]

     appropriate congressional committees a report that contains 
     the joint assessment.
       (2) Form.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified 
     annex.

     SEC. 207. TRANSFER OF PRECISION GUIDED MUNITIONS TO ISRAEL.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding section 514 of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321h), the President is 
     authorized to transfer to Israel precision guided munitions 
     from reserve stocks for Israel in such quantities as 
     necessary for legitimate self-defense of Israel and is 
     otherwise consistent with the purposes and conditions for 
     such transfers under the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 
     2751 et seq.).
       (b) Certification.--Except in the case of an emergency as 
     determined by the President, not later than 5 days before 
     making a transfer under subsection (a), the President shall 
     certify to the appropriate congressional committees that the 
     transfer of the precision guided munitions--
       (1) does not affect the ability of the United States to 
     maintain a sufficient supply of precision guided munitions;
       (2) does not harm the combat readiness of the United States 
     or the ability of the United States to meet its commitment to 
     allies for the transfer of such munitions;
       (3) is necessary for Israel to counter the threat of 
     rockets in a timely fashion; and
       (4) is in the national security interest of the United 
     States.

     SEC. 208. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON RAPID ACQUISITION AND 
                   DEPLOYMENT PROCEDURES.

       It is the sense of Congress that the President should 
     prescribe procedures for the rapid acquisition and deployment 
     of precision guided munitions for United States 
     counterterrorism missions, or to assist an ally of the United 
     States, including Israel, that is subject to direct missile 
     threat.

     SEC. 209. EXTENSION OF WAR RESERVES STOCKPILE AUTHORITY.

       (a) Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005.--
     Subsection (d) of section 12001 of the Department of Defense 
     Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-287; 118 Stat. 1011) 
     is amended by striking ``after September 30, 2020'' and 
     inserting ``after September 30, 2025''.
       (b) Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.--Section 514(b)(2)(A) 
     of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 
     2321h(b)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``2013, 2014, 2015, 
     2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020'' and inserting ``2020, 
     2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025''.

     SEC. 210. ELIGIBILITY OF ISRAEL FOR THE STRATEGIC TRADE 
                   AUTHORIZATION EXCEPTION TO CERTAIN EXPORT 
                   CONTROL LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) Israel has adopted high standards in the field of 
     export controls.
       (2) Israel has declared its unilateral adherence to the 
     Missile Technology Control Regime, the Australia Group, and 
     the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
       (3) Israel is a party to--
       (A) the Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of 
     Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of 
     Bacteriological Methods of Warfare, signed at Geneva June 17, 
     1925; and
       (B) the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear 
     Material, adopted at Vienna on October 26, 1979.
       (4) Section 6(b) of the United States-Israel Strategic 
     Partnership Act of 2014 (22 U.S.C. 8603 note) directs the 
     President, consistent with the commitments of the United 
     States under international agreements, to take steps so that 
     Israel may be included in the list of countries eligible for 
     the strategic trade authorization exception under section 
     740.20(c)(1) of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, to the 
     requirement for a license for the export, re-export, or in-
     country transfer of an item subject to controls under the 
     Export Administration Regulations.
       (b) Report on Eligibility for Strategic Trade Authorization 
     Exception.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a report that describes 
     the steps taken to include Israel in the list of countries 
     eligible for the strategic trade authorization exception 
     under section 740.20 (c) (1) of title 15, Code of Federal 
     Regulations section, as required under 6(b) of the United 
     States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 (22 U.S.C. 
     8603 note).
       (2) Form.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified 
     annex.

     SEC. 211. EXTENSION OF LOAN GUARANTEES TO ISRAEL.

       Chapter 5 of title I of the Emergency Wartime Supplemental 
     Appropriations Act, 2003 (Public Law 108-11; 117 Stat. 576) 
     is amended under the heading ``Loan Guarantees to Israel''--
       (1) in the matter preceding the first proviso, by striking 
     ``September 30, 2020'' and inserting ``September 30, 2025''; 
     and
       (2) in the second proviso, by striking ``September 30, 
     2020'' and inserting ``September 30, 2025''.

     SEC. 212. DEFINITION.

       In this title, the term ``appropriate congressional 
     committees'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Armed Services of the House of Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Armed Services of the Senate.

 TITLE III--JUSTICE FOR UNITED STATES VICTIMS OF PALESTINIAN TERRORISM

     SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Justice for United States 
     Victims of Palestinian Terrorism Act''.

     SEC. 302. FACILITATION OF THE SETTLEMENT OF TERRORISM-RELATED 
                   CLAIMS OF NATIONALS OF THE UNITED STATES.

       (a) Comprehensive Process To Facilitate the Resolution of 
     Anti-Terrorism Act Claims.--The Secretary of State, in 
     consultation with the Attorney General, shall, not later than 
     30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, develop and 
     initiate a comprehensive process for the Department of State 
     to facilitate the resolution and settlement of covered 
     claims.
       (b) Elements of Comprehensive Process.--The comprehensive 
     process developed under subsection (a) shall include, at a 
     minimum, the following:
       (1) Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, the Department of State shall publish a notice in 
     the Federal Register identifying the method by which a 
     national of the United States, or a representative of a 
     national of the United States, who has a covered claim, may 
     contact the Department of State to give notice of the covered 
     claim.
       (2) Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of State, or a designee of the 
     Secretary, shall meet (and make every effort to continue to 
     meet on a regular basis thereafter) with any national of the 
     United States, or a representative of a national of the 
     United States, who has a covered claim and has informed the 
     Department of State of the covered claim using the method 
     established pursuant to paragraph (1) to discuss the status 
     of the covered claim, including the status of any settlement 
     discussions with the Palestinian Authority or the Palestine 
     Liberation Organization.
       (3) Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of State, or a designee of the 
     Secretary, shall make every effort to meet (and make every 
     effort to continue to meet on a regular basis thereafter) 
     with representatives of the Palestinian Authority and the 
     Palestine Liberation Organization to discuss the covered 
     claims identified pursuant to paragraph (1) and potential 
     settlement of the covered claims.
       (c) Report to Congress.--The Secretary of State shall, not 
     later than 240 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
     and annually thereafter for 5 years, submit to the Committee 
     on the Judiciary and the Committee on Foreign Relations of 
     the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary and the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives 
     a report describing activities that the Department of State 
     has undertaken to comply with this section, including 
     specific updates regarding paragraphs (2) and (3) of 
     subsection (b).
       (d) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) covered claims should be resolved in a manner that 
     provides just compensation to the victims;
       (2) covered claims should be resolved and settled in favor 
     of the victim to the fullest extent possible and without 
     subjecting victims to unnecessary or protracted litigation;
       (3) the United States Government should take all 
     practicable steps to facilitate the resolution and settlement 
     of all covered claims, including engaging directly with the 
     victims or their representatives and the Palestinian 
     Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization; and
       (4) the United States Government should strongly urge the 
     Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation 
     Organization to commit to good-faith negotiations to resolve 
     and settle all covered claims.
       (e) Definition.--In this section, the term ``covered 
     claim'' means any pending action by, or final judgment in 
     favor of, a national of the United States, or any action by a 
     national of the United States dismissed for lack of personal 
     jurisdiction, under section 2333 of title 18, United States 
     Code, against the Palestinian Authority or the Palestine 
     Liberation Organization.

     SEC. 303. MODIFICATION TO CONSENT OF CERTAIN PARTIES TO 
                   PERSONAL JURISDICTION.

       (a) Amendment to Title 18.--Section 2334 of title 18, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection 
     (e)(1) and inserting the following:
       ``(A) beginning on the date that is 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this subparagraph, makes, renews, promotes, 
     or advances any application in order to obtain the same 
     standing as a member state in the United Nations or any 
     specialized agency thereof, or accepts such standing, outside 
     an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians; 
     or
       ``(B) beginning on the date that is 15 days after the date 
     of enactment of the Justice for United States Victims of 
     Palestinian Terrorism Act--
       ``(i) continues to maintain any office, headquarters, 
     premises, or other facilities or establishments in the United 
     States; or
       ``(ii) establishes or procures any office, headquarters, 
     premises, or other facilities or establishments in the United 
     States.''; and
       (2) And by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Defendant defined.--For purposes of paragraph (1) of 
     this subsection, the term `defendant' means--

[[Page H7193]]

       ``(A) the Palestinian Authority;
       ``(B) the Palestine Liberation Organization;
       ``(C) any organization or other entity that is a successor 
     to or affiliated with the Palestinian Authority or the 
     Palestine Liberation Organization; or
       ``(D) any organization or other entity--
       ``(i) identified in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C); and
       ``(ii) that self-identifies as, holds itself out to be, or 
     carries out conduct in the name of, the `State of Palestine' 
     or `Palestine' in connection with official business of the 
     United Nations.
       ``(4) Exception for certain activities and locations.--In 
     determining whether a defendant shall be deemed to have 
     consented to personal jurisdiction under paragraph (1)(B), a 
     court may not consider--
       ``(A) any office, headquarters, premises or other facility 
     or establishment used exclusively for the purpose of 
     conducting official business of the United Nations; or
       ``(B) any activity undertaken exclusively for the purpose 
     of conducting official business of the United Nations.
       ``(5) Rule of construction.--Notwithstanding any other law 
     (including any treaty), any office, headquarters, premises, 
     or other facility or establishment within the territory of 
     the United States that is not specifically exempted by 
     paragraph (4)(A) shall be considered to be in the United 
     States for purposes of clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph 
     (1)(B).''.
       (b) Prior Consent Not Abrogated.--The amendments made by 
     this section do not abrogate any consent deemed to have been 
     given under section 2334(e) of title 18, United States Code, 
     as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this 
     Act.

                      TITLE IV--BUDGETARY EFFECTS

     SEC. 401. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

       The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of 
     complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall 
     be determined by reference to the latest statement titled 
     ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, 
     submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the 
     Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such 
     statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Cartwright). Pursuant to the rule, the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania 
(Mr. Reschenthaler) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 
5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on H.R. 1837.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ENGEL. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the United States-Israel 
Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act.
  I want to start by thanking Mr. Deutch and Mr. Wilson for their 
extraordinary leadership in crafting this measure. This is another 
piece of bipartisan legislation that underscores the vitality and 
bipartisanship of the U.S.-Israel relationship.
  The centerpiece of this bill is a provision that writes into law the 
10-year memorandum of understanding President Obama signed with Israel 
before he left office. The legislation also enhances U.S.-Israel 
cooperation on a wide range of issues, from helping veterans confront 
issues with PTSD, to advancing space cooperation, to developing new 
ways to get clean water.
  In addition, the bill advances other critical priorities. It helps 
ensure that the families of American victims of terrorism will get 
their day in court, so they can finally see some justice after their 
loved ones were so cruelly taken from them. And it includes a legal fix 
that will restore U.S. assistance to Palestinians that has been cut off 
in recent months.
  When I traveled to the West Bank in May, I saw the impacts of this 
funding cut firsthand. I visited a water treatment system in Jericho 
that is ready to go into place, already paid for by the United States 
but, because of legislation Congress passed last year, they can't take 
the tiny extra step needed to get it up and running.
  We also met with people seeking to enhance tolerance and 
understanding between Palestinians and Israelis, exactly the sort of 
peace-building efforts we should be supporting, unlike the BDS 
movement. These have all had to stop work due to the assistance cut.
  In addition, I met with American military officials who are deeply 
concerned about the suspension of security assistance to the 
Palestinians and the implications of that for Israel's security. So I 
am pleased that the legislation before us today provides a fix for this 
unsustainable situation.
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record two pieces that argue that we 
must restore this assistance now.

                     [From The Hill, Jan. 28, 2019]

 Congress Must Move Quickly To Fix the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act

                           (By Debra Shushan)

       In a perversely ironic turn, a law intended to aid American 
     victims of international terrorist attacks will strike a 
     serious blow to counterterrorism cooperation that keeps 
     Israelis (and Americans visiting Israel) safe.
       The Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act (ATCA) will take 
     effect on February 1. Unless it is adequately amended or 
     repealed before then, the law will damage Israeli national 
     security and U.S. foreign policy toward the Israeli-
     Palestinian conflict. Time is short, and Congress must take 
     action.
       ATCA was passed with little fanfare, by unanimous consent 
     in the House and Senate, and apparently absent an 
     understanding of its foreign policy implications. The law's 
     aim is to assist American victims of international terrorism 
     in securing, through U.S. courts, monetary damages from 
     entities alleged to have aided and abetted terrorist attacks.
       It was the outcome of lawsuits against the Palestinian 
     Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), like 
     Waldman v. PLO, that drove the most consequential provision 
     in ATCA. In Waldman, a district court awarded the plaintiff 
     $655.5 million (triple the damages suffered), only to have a 
     circuit court rule on appeal that the court lacked personal 
     jurisdiction over the PLO. To address this perceived flaw, 
     Section 4 of ATCA stipulates that a defendant consents to 
     personal jurisdiction if it accepts the types of aid the U.S. 
     government has given the PA: most importantly, economic 
     support funds (ESF) and international narcotics control and 
     law enforcement (INCLE) aid.
       Recognizing that future acceptance of U.S. assistance could 
     bankrupt the Palestinian Authority through litigation, 
     Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah informed Secretary 
     of State Mike Pompeo that the Palestinian Authority will 
     decline U.S. aid when ATCA takes effect. Comparing the $665 
     million judgement in Waldman (equivalent to 13 percent of the 
     Palestinian Authority's 2018 budget) to $60 million in 
     security funding it receives from the U.S., its decision was 
     obviously inevitable.
       So, ATCA will not achieve its purpose of enabling terror 
     victims to collect money from the Palestinian Authority or 
     PLO through litigation. Since the Palestinian Authority has 
     foresworn U.S. aid, courts still won't have personal 
     jurisdiction over it.
       Meanwhile, ATCA will harm Israeli security, given an end to 
     INCLE funding for the Palestinian Authority and the 
     termination of the U.S. Security Coordinator. Under U.S. 
     supervision since 2005, the Palestinian Authority Security 
     Forces (PASF) have transformed into a professional and 
     effective entity that works closely with Israel to maintain 
     law and order in Palestinian cities and foil terrorism. 
     Israeli security chiefs are unequivocal about the importance 
     of this security coordination. In remarks, to the Israeli 
     cabinet earlier this month, outgoing Israeli army chief of 
     staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot urged the government to 
     strengthen the PASF. Belatedly, the Israeli government has 
     weighed in with the Trump administration, asking for an ATCA 
     fix to preserve security coordination, ``a top priority 
     Israeli national security interest.''
       ATCA will also undermine U.S. foreign policy vis-a-vis the 
     Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Neither President Trump nor 
     subsequent presidents will be able to use aid as a tool to 
     facilitate future Palestinian-Israeli peace. Meanwhile, as 
     the U.S. Agency for International Development prepares to lay 
     off local staff and abandon nearly completed infrastructure 
     projects in the West Bank, the Palestinian people will 
     suffer. American interests are harmed, too, when worsening 
     Palestinian quality of life fosters extremism and a hardening 
     of attitudes toward the U.S. and Israel.
       Compounding its deleterious impact, ATCA may apply to 
     foreign states, impacting allies in the Middle East (think of 
     Egypt and Jordan) and beyond. It could also apply to 
     humanitarian NGOs.
       Members of Congress are working with the Trump 
     administration on a fix. A number of options are available. 
     The best choice is revocation of Section 4, which triggered 
     this crisis while failing to help terrorist attack victims. A 
     national security waiver for the President is another 
     possibility. It is suboptimal since President Trump slashed 
     ESF funding to Palestinians before ATCA and appears unlikely 
     to reinstate it, though a future president could. Exempting 
     only INCLE funding is better than nothing, but would transmit 
     the message to Palestinians that the U.S. cares only about 
     Israeli security and not their welfare. (They are 
     complementary; we must care about both.)
       If Congress cannot engineer a fix by January 31--a real 
     danger, even likelihood--Congress must at minimum delay 
     ATCA's implementation. This time bomb is ticking, and if

[[Page H7194]]

     Congress can't defuse ATCA in time, it must at least reset 
     the clock.
                                  ____


                       [From NPR, Jan. 31, 2019]

     Opinion: Here's Why U.S. Aid to Palestinians Needs To Continue

                  (By Dana Stroul, Daniel B. Shapiro)

       Is U.S. assistance to the Palestinians an indulgence we can 
     do without? Will its elimination leave Israelis, Palestinians 
     and U.S. interests better off? Unless Congress and the Trump 
     administration act quickly, we are about to find out.
       Since 1993, the United States has provided more than $5 
     billion in assistance to the West Bank and Gaza. This 
     generous program continued across Republican and Democratic 
     administrations, with bipartisan Congressional support, 
     despite ups and downs in the peace process, spikes and drops 
     in violence and frustrations in Washington and Jerusalem with 
     Palestinian leaders.
       But the whole enterprise is now in jeopardy.
       First, the Trump Administration cut the entire fiscal year 
     2017 economic aid program for the West Bank and Gaza and 
     looks likely to do the same for fiscal 2018. Now the U.S. 
     Agency for International Development (USAID) mission, with no 
     money to spend, is on the verge of closing down, leaving 
     ongoing projects uncompleted.
       Next, the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act, which exposes 
     the Palestinian Authority to legal action in U.S. courts if 
     it accepts any U.S. assistance funds, comes into force on 
     Feb. 1.
       The ATCA's passage last year prompted Palestinian Authority 
     Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah (who resigned Tuesday) to 
     inform Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a late-December 
     letter that the Palestinian Authority will no longer accept 
     any U.S. assistance. If carried out, that will end U.S. 
     assistance for the Palestinian Authority Security Forces, the 
     deliberately under-the-radar and largely successful U.S. 
     effort to develop these forces and facilitate effective 
     security coordination with Israel in the West Bank.
       It will also eliminate the role of the U.S. security 
     coordinator, a three-star general who oversees the training 
     of the security forces and serves as a liaison between 
     Israeli and Palestinian security officials.
       Thus far, there has been minimal debate in Washington over 
     the implications of these developments on stability in the 
     West Bank and Gaza and the inextricable link to Israel's 
     security. Nor has there been a sober reckoning of the very 
     real implications for U.S. influence.
       It's easy to be cavalier about these programs, considering 
     the moribund peace process, Palestinian leaders who lack 
     legitimacy with much of the U.S. public, and bouts of 
     violence. But members of Congress, including many of Israel's 
     strongest supporters on both sides of the aisle, have long 
     understood their value.
       While oversight has been rigorous, funding for Palestinian 
     assistance programs has always flowed with bipartisan support 
     because it was determined to reinforce Israel's security and 
     provide a measure of U.S. leverage and influence.
       This logic was ratified by the support of the Israeli 
     government for these programs. Israeli authorities understood 
     that a breakdown in security, an economic collapse or a 
     humanitarian crisis in the West Bank would place an enormous 
     burden on Israel. A crisis in the West Bank could require the 
     Israel Defense Forces to redeploy personnel from other high-
     risk areas like the Lebanon border or the Golan Heights.
       Moreover, U.S. assistance has sustained lines of contact 
     with Palestinian officials. During flare-ups and crises, this 
     connective tissue has placed the U.S. in a position to defuse 
     situations when direct Israeli-Palestinian engagement was too 
     difficult. U.S. Security Coordinator Lt. Gen. Eric Wendt and 
     his predecessors have at times been the only American 
     officials able to bridge both sides in moments of high 
     tension.
       The current funding crisis runs contrary to clearly 
     expressed Congressional intent. Last year, large bipartisan 
     majorities passed the Taylor Force Act, which, by withholding 
     some U.S. aid, aimed to compel the Palestinian Authority to 
     end, among other things, its practice of providing payments 
     to families of convicted Palestinian terrorists. But Congress 
     also voted resoundingly to maintain key elements of 
     assistance, including humanitarian aid, people-to-people 
     programs, medical services and other programming with no 
     direct connection to the Palestinian Authority.
       The Israeli government, for its part, was clear in its 
     support for the Taylor Force Act's intent of ending U.S. 
     assistance that could even indirectly subsidize the 
     Palestinian Authority's payments to terrorists' families. But 
     there was never Israeli support for curtailing the accounts 
     Congress protected programs acknowledged to maintain a 
     modicum of stability in the West Bank and prevent a full-
     scale humanitarian crisis in either the West Bank or Gaza.
       In other words, the Taylor Force Act's passage underscored 
     bipartisan Congressional support for continuing U.S. 
     assistance to the Palestinians. Trump officials, who took an 
     axe to the entire program, citing the Taylor Force Act, have 
     misinterpreted the meaning of the law.
       The Israeli national security establishment remains 
     painfully aware that it will face the burden--financial, 
     security, and otherwise--of addressing a full-scale collapse 
     in the West Bank or Gaza if the U.S. steps away or loses all 
     influence and credibility with the Palestinians. And if they 
     lose cooperation with the Palestinian security forces, 
     Israeli security forces will find themselves in the far worse 
     position of needing to directly intervene to confront 
     security threats in Palestinian-populated areas, rather than 
     working through the U.S.-funded multilateral construct.
       If all parties remain stuck on the current course, the 
     biggest losers will be innocent Palestinian civilians and 
     Israel. The winners are those benefiting from instability and 
     the opportunity to point to the U.S. as unreliable and in 
     retreat from the Middle East: Hamas, other assorted 
     terrorists and Iran.
       To reverse the current course, here are some steps that the 
     administration and Congress should urgently undertake:


                Fix the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act

       A straightforward legislative fix is low-hanging fruit. 
     Congressional and administration staff recognize that ending 
     U.S. security assistance to the Palestinian security forces 
     only helps adversaries and empowers enemies. In recent days, 
     Israel belatedly added its voice, making clear it wants U.S. 
     aid to the PASF to continue. In fact, Congress and the 
     administration should go further and seize the opportunity in 
     this crisis to permanently protect U.S. security assistance 
     to the Palestinian security forces.


                            Mitigate damage

       Walking away from ongoing USAID projects in the West Bank 
     and Gaza--unfinished roads, incomplete water projects, and 
     piecemeal humanitarian and education programs--is a total 
     waste of U.S. taxpayer dollars. Such visible reminders of 
     U.S. abandonment will also inflame local sentiment against 
     the United States. Congress should authorize and explicitly 
     appropriate funds to complete these projects, following a 
     thorough review of the status of U.S. programs in the West 
     Bank and Gaza.


                 Pass positive legislative alternatives

       Even if traditional assistance programs remain blocked, 
     there are creative legislative proposals that preserve space 
     for U.S. influence and enjoy bipartisan support. The 
     Palestinian Partnership Fund Act, introduced in the last 
     Congress, promotes economic development by connecting 
     Palestinian entrepreneurs and companies with counterparts in 
     the U.S., Israel, and the Middle East. An International Fund 
     for Israeli-Palestinian Peace, long advocated by the 
     nonpartisan Alliance for Middle East Peace, has enjoyed 
     bipartisan support in past Congresses and would promote 
     people-to-people peace-building activities by pooling funding 
     from government and private sources. Now is the time for 
     Congress to approve funding for it.


             Urge Israeli clarification on U.S. assistance

       Members of Congress naturally seek Israel's views on the 
     security and economic consequences of completely shutting 
     down U.S. assistance programs to the Palestinians. But during 
     the Trump administration, the answers have been murky. After 
     Israel's election in April, Congress should urgently seek a 
     clear picture of the new government's views, as members 
     continue to vote on this much-debated set of issues.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, this is a strong bipartisan bill that 
advances the U.S.-Israel relationship. I, again, want to thank 
Representatives Deutch and Wilson for their leadership, as well as all 
the other Members who contributed to this fine piece of legislation.
  I reserve the balance of my time.

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                    Washington, DC, July 18, 2019.
     Hon. Peter A. DeFazio,
     Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
         House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman DeFazio: I write in reply to your letter 
     regarding H.R. 1837, the United States-Israel Cooperation 
     Enhancement and Regional Security Act. I appreciate your 
     willingness to work cooperatively on this legislation.
       I acknowledge that provisions of the bill fall within the 
     Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure and that your Committee will forgo action on 
     H.R. 1837 to expedite floor consideration. I further agree 
     that your Committee's inaction regarding the bill will not 
     waive any future jurisdictional claims over matters addressed 
     in H.R. 1837 which fall within your Committee's Rule X 
     jurisdiction. I will also support the appointment of 
     Committee of Transportation and Infrastructure conferees 
     during any House-Senate conference convened on this 
     legislation.
       Lastly, I will ensure that our exchange of letters is 
     include in the Congressional Record during floor 
     consideration of the bill. Thank you again for your 
     cooperation regarding the legislation. I look forward to 
     continuing to work with you as the measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Eliot L. Engel,
                                                         Chairman.

[[Page H7195]]

     
                                  ____
         Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of 
           Representatives,
                                    Washington, DC, July 17, 2019.
     Hon. Eliot Engel,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Engel: I write concerning H.R. 1837, the United 
     States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security 
     Act. There are certain provisions in this legislation that 
     fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure.
       In order to expedite floor consideration of H.R. 1837, the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure agrees to 
     forgo action on the bill. However, this is conditional on our 
     mutual understanding that forgoing consideration of the bill 
     would not prejudice the Committee with respect to the 
     appointment of conferees or to any future jurisdictional 
     claim over the subject matters contained in the bill or 
     similar legislation that fall within the Committee's Rule X 
     jurisdiction. I also request that you urge the Speaker to 
     name members of this Committee to any conference committee 
     which is named to consider such provisions.
       Please place a copy of this letter and your response 
     acknowledging our jurisdictional interest into the committee 
     report on H.R. 1837, and into the Congressional Record during 
     consideration of the measure on the House floor.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Peter A. DeFazio,
     Chair.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2019.
     Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson,
     Chairwoman, Committee on Science, Space and Technology, House 
         of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairwoman Johnson: I am writing to you concerning 
     H.R. 1837, the United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement 
     and Regional Security Act. I appreciate your willingness to 
     work cooperatively on this legislation.
       I acknowledge that provisions of the bill fall within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space and 
     Technology under House Rule X and that your Committee will 
     forgo action on H.R. 1837 to expedite floor consideration. I 
     further acknowledge that the inaction of your Committee with 
     respect to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional 
     claim over the matters contained in the bill that fall within 
     your jurisdiction. I will also support the appointment of 
     Committee on Science, Space and Technology conferees during 
     any House-Senate conference convened on this legislation.
       Lastly, I will ensure that our exchange of letters is 
     included in the Congressional Record during floor 
     consideration of the bill. Thank you again for your 
     cooperation regarding the legislation. I look forward to 
     continuing to work with you as the measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Eliot L. Engel,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

         House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, 
           and Technology,
                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2019.
     Chairman Eliot Engel,
     Committee on Foreign Affairs,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Engel: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 
     1837, the ``United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and 
     Regional Security Act,'' which was sequentially referred to 
     the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology (``Science 
     Committee'') on March 21, 2019.
       I agree to work cooperatively on this bill and the Science 
     Committee will forgo action on H.R. 1837, in order to 
     expedite floor consideration. This is, however, not a waiver 
     of future jurisdictional claims by the Science Committee over 
     this subject matter.
       Thank you for agreeing to include our exchange of letters 
     in the Congressional Record. Additionally, thank you for 
     agreeing to support the appointment of Science Committee 
     conferees during any House-Senate conference convened on this 
     legislation,
           Sincerely,
                                            Eddie Bernice Johnson,
     Chairwoman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2019.
     Hon. Collin C. Peterson,
     Chairman, Committee on Agriculture,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Peterson: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 
     1837, the United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and 
     Regional Security Act. I appreciate your willingness to work 
     cooperatively on this legislation.
       I acknowledge that provisions of the bill fall within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture under House Rule 
     X, and that your Committee will forgo action on H.R. 1837 to 
     expedite floor consideration. I further acknowledge that the 
     inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not 
     waive any future jurisdictional claim over the matters 
     contained in the bill that fall within your jurisdiction. I 
     will also support the appointment of Committee on Agriculture 
     conferees during any House-Senate conference convened on this 
     legislation.
       Lastly, I will ensure that our exchange of letters is 
     included in the Congressional Record during floor 
     consideration of the bill. Thank you again for your 
     cooperation regarding the legislation. I look forward to 
     continuing to work with you as the measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Eliot L. Engel,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                     Committee on Agriculture,

                                    Washington, DC, July 22, 2019.
     Hon. Eliot L. Engel,
     Chairman. Committee on Foreign Affairs,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Engel: Thank you for the opportunity to 
     review the relevant provisions of H.R. 1837, the United 
     States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security 
     Act. While the bill was primarily referred to the Committee 
     on Foreign Affairs, the Agriculture Committee received an 
     additional referral.
       I recognize and appreciate your desire to bring this 
     legislation before the House in an expeditious manner, and 
     accordingly, I agree to discharge H.R.1837 from further 
     consideration by the Committee on Agriculture. I do so with 
     the understanding that by discharging the bill, the Committee 
     on Agriculture does not waive any future jurisdictional claim 
     on this or similar matters. Further, the Committee on 
     Agriculture reserves the right to seek the appointment of 
     conferees, if it should be necessary.
       I ask that you inset a copy of our exchange of letters into 
     both the Congressional Record and the Committee Report during 
     consideration of this measure on the House floor.
       Thank you for your courtesy in this matter. I look forward 
     to continued cooperation between our respective committees.
           Sincerely.
                                               Collin C. Peterson,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2019.
     Hon. Frank Pallone, Jr.,
     Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Pallone: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 
     1837, the United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and 
     Regional Security Act. I appreciate your willingness to work 
     cooperatively on this legislation.
       I acknowledge that provisions of the bill fall within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Commerce under 
     Rule X, and that your Committee will forgo action on H.R. 
     1837 to expedite floor consideration. I further acknowledge 
     that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill 
     does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the 
     matters contained in the bill that fall within your 
     jurisdiction. I will also support the appointment of 
     Committee on Energy and Commerce conferees during any House-
     Senate conference convened on this legislation.
       Lastly, I will ensure that our exchange of letters is 
     included in the Congressional Record during floor 
     consideration of the bill. Thank you again for your 
     cooperation regarding the legislation. I look forward to 
     continuing to work with you as the measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Eliot L. Engel,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                             Committee on Energy and Commerce,

                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2019.
     Hon. Eliot Engel,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Engel: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 
     1837, the United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and 
     Regional Security Act, as amended, which was additionally 
     referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
       In recognition of the desire to expedite consideration of 
     H.R. 1837, the Committee on Energy and Commerce agrees to 
     waive formal consideration of the bill as to provisions that 
     fall within the rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on 
     Energy and Commerce. The Committee takes this action with the 
     mutual understanding that we do not waive any jurisdiction 
     over the subject matter contained in this or similar 
     legislation, and that the Committee will be appropriately 
     consulted and involved as this bill or similar legislation 
     moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues 
     within our jurisdiction. I also request that you support my 
     request to name members of the Committee on Energy and 
     Commerce to any conference committee to consider such 
     provisions.
       Finally, I would appreciate the inclusion of this letter in 
     the report on the bill and into the Congressional Record 
     during floor consideration of H.R. 1837.
           Sincerely,
                                               Frank Pallone, Jr.,
                                                         Chairman.

[[Page H7196]]

     
                                  ____
                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2019.
     Hon. Jerrold Nadler,
     Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Nadler: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 
     1837, the United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and 
     Regional Security Act. I appreciate your willingness to work 
     cooperatively on this legislation.
       I acknowledge that provisions of the bill fall within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary under House 
     Rule X, and that your Committee will forgo action on H.R. 
     1837 to expedite floor consideration. I further acknowledge 
     that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill 
     does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the 
     matters contained in the bill that fall within your 
     jurisdiction. I will also support the appointment of 
     Committee on the Judiciary conferees during any House-Senate 
     conference convened on this legislation.
       Lastly, I will ensure that our exchange of letters is 
     included in the Congressional Record during floor 
     consideration of the bill. Thank you again for your 
     cooperation regarding the legislation. I look forward to 
     continuing to work with you as the measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Eliot L. Engel,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                   Committee on the Judiciary,

                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2019.
     Hon. Eliot Engel,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Engel: This is to advise you that the 
     Committee on the Judiciary has now had an opportunity to 
     review the provisions in H.R. 1837, the ``United States-
     Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act,'' 
     that fall within our Rule X jurisdiction. I appreciate your 
     consulting with us on those provisions. The Judiciary 
     Committee has no objection to your including them in the bill 
     for consideration on the House floor, and to expedite that 
     consideration is willing to forgo action on H.R. 1837, with 
     the understanding that we do not thereby waive any future 
     jurisdictional claim over those provisions or their subject 
     matters.
       In the event a House-Senate conference on this or similar 
     legislation is convened, the Judiciary Committee reserves the 
     right to request an appropriate number of conferees to 
     address any concerns with these or similar provisions that 
     may arise in conference.
       Please place this letter into the Congressional Record 
     during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank 
     you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked 
     regarding this matter and others between our committees.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Jerrold Nadler,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2019.
     Hon. Mark Takano,
     Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Takano: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 
     1837, the United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and 
     Regional Security Act. I appreciate your willingness to work 
     cooperatively on this legislation.
       I acknowledge that provisions of the bill fall within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs under 
     House Rule X, and that your Committee will forgo action on 
     H.R. 1837 to expedite floor consideration. I further 
     acknowledge that the inaction of your Committee with respect 
     to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional claim 
     over the matters contained in the bill that fall within your 
     jurisdiction. I will also support the appointment of 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs conferees during any House-
     Senate conference convened on this legislation.
       Lastly, I will ensure that our exchange of letters is 
     included in the Congressional Record during floor 
     consideration of the bill. Thank you again for your 
     cooperation regarding the legislation. I look forward to 
     continuing to work with you as the measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Eliot L. Engel,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Veterans' Affairs,

                                    Washington, DC, July 22, 2019.
     Hon. Eliot L. Engel,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Engel: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 1837, 
     the United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional 
     Security Act. As a result of your having consulted with us on 
     provisions within H.R. 1837 that fall within the jurisdiction 
     of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I forego further 
     consideration of this bill so that it may proceed 
     expeditiously to the House floor for consideration.
       The Committee on Veterans' Affairs takes this action with 
     our mutual understanding that by foregoing consideration of 
     H.R. 1837 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over 
     subject matter contained in this or similar legislation and 
     that our committee will be appropriately consulted and 
     involved as this bill or similar legislation moves forward so 
     that we may address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction. 
     Further, I request your support for the appointment of 
     conferees from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs during any 
     House-Senate conference convened on this or related 
     legislation.
       Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 
     1837 and into the Congressional Record during consideration 
     of the measure on the House floor to memorialize our 
     understanding. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which 
     you have worked regarding this matter and others between our 
     respective committees.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Mark Takano,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2019.
     Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,
     Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Thompson: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 
     1837, the United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and 
     Regional Security Act. I appreciate your willingness to work 
     cooperatively on this legislation.
       I acknowledge that provisions of the bill fall within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on Homeland Security under 
     House Rule X, and that your Committee will forgo action on 
     H.R. 1837 to expedite floor consideration. I further 
     acknowledge that the inaction of your Committee with respect 
     to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional claim 
     over the matters contained in the bill that fall within your 
     jurisdiction. I will also support the appointment of 
     Committee on Homeland Security conferees during any House-
     Senate conference convened on this legislation.
       Lastly, I will ensure that our exchange of letters is 
     included in the Congressional Record during floor 
     consideration of the bill. Thank you again for your 
     cooperation regarding the legislation. I look forward to 
     continuing to work with you as the measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Eliot L. Engel,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                   Committee on Homeland Security,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, July 22, 2019.
     Hon. Eliot L. Engel,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Engel: I write to you regarding H.R. 1837, 
     the ``United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and 
     Regional Security Act.''
       H.R. 1837 contains provisions that fall within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on Homeland Security. I 
     recognize and appreciate your desire to bring this 
     legislation before the House in an expeditious manner and, 
     accordingly, I will not seek a sequential referral of the 
     bill. However, agreeing to waive consideration of this bill 
     should not be construed as the Committee on Homeland Security 
     waiving, altering, or otherwise affecting its jurisdiction 
     over subject matters contained in the bill which fall within 
     its Rule X jurisdiction.
       Further, I request your support for the appointment of 
     Homeland Security conferees during any House-Senate 
     conference convened on this or similar legislation. I also 
     ask that a copy of this letter and your response be included 
     in the legislative report on H.R. 1837 and in the 
     Congressional Record during floor consideration of this bill.
       I look forward to working with you as we prepare to pass 
     this important legislation.
           Sincerely,
                                               Bennie G. Thompson,
                                                         Chairman.

  Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1837, the United 
States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act, of 
which I am a cosponsor.
  The United States-Israel partnership is a two-way street. We work 
together to further our shared values and interests. We already 
collaborate on a wide range of civil issues, such as energy and 
agriculture; and our security cooperation helps keep both of our 
countries safe as we counter threats from a wide range of terrorist 
groups, as well as from Iran. But still there is much more that we can 
do together.
  I want to thank Mr. Deutch and Mr. Wilson for this comprehensive, 
bipartisan update to the United States-Israel partnership to confront 
the challenges both countries face in 2019 and beyond.
  H.R. 1837 expands our mutually-beneficial cooperation, identifying 
several new or growing areas of cooperation where we can exchange 
innovations and help improve the lives and livelihoods of our people as 
well as our respective national interests.
  Through this bill, the United States and Israel will be better-
positioned to

[[Page H7197]]

cooperate on critical fields like research and development, directed 
energy, cybersecurity, international development and foreign 
assistance, treating post-traumatic stress disorder, and developing 
health technologies.
  In terms of our security partnership with Israel, the bill authorizes 
U.S. foreign military financing to Israel at $3.3 billion per year 
through 2024, the same levels agreed to in the 2016 U.S.-Israel 
memorandum. It reauthorizes United States loan guarantees and extends 
War Reserves Stockpile Authority for Israel.
  H.R. 1837 also codifies policies to ensure that the United States can 
transfer precision-guided munitions and other defense articles to 
Israel quickly in the event of an emergency.
  We all know that Israel faces threats on multiple fronts, from Iran, 
from Hezbollah, Hamas, and others. These adversaries aren't going to 
call ahead in the event of an escalation. We need to be prepared with 
the appropriate authorities to ensure that if Israel is facing a 
protracted or multifront conflict, that the United States can help.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield the remainder of my time to the gentleman from 
New Jersey (Mr. Smith), my good friend, and I would ask unanimous 
consent that he be allowed to control that time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend for 
yielding. I yield myself 2 minutes.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my strong support for H.R. 1837, the 
U.S.-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act, 
supported and introduced by Mr. Deutch and Mr. Wilson. I thank them for 
their leadership, as well as Eliot Engel and   Michael McCaul, our 
ranking member.
  Israel is by far our closest ally in the Middle East with which we 
share common values, including a commitment to democracy and to the 
rule of law.
  Sadly, Israel often comes under attack, at the United Nations and in 
the region, both by words and by bullets. Israel is judged by a double 
standard by which real or imagined flaws are magnified, while Israel's 
virtues as a robust democracy are ignored.
  Mr. Speaker, we must stand with Israel, and this bill is a means to 
achieve that. Among other things, it would authorize--and this is the 
core of the bill--it would authorize military financing for Israel at 
$3.3 billion per year, over 10 years, and enhanced cooperation with our 
key ally in a host of other areas from cybersecurity, to agriculture, 
to assisting veterans.
  It is mutually beneficial, allowing us to access Israel's knowledge 
and to benefit from its leadership in sectors such as desalinization 
technology, which has helped make the desert bloom, one of the most 
visually-evident ways Israel has positively impacted the land.
  The bill encourages energy cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean 
which, presumably, includes ongoing ventures with friendly countries, 
such as Greece and Cyprus. In short, the bill greatly enhances the 
mutually-beneficial ties which exist between our two great nations.
  This is a good piece of legislation. It is bipartisan, and I strongly 
urge my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Deutch), a valuable member of the Foreign Affairs 
Committee, author of this important bill, and chairman of the Middle 
East, North Africa, and International Terrorism Subcommittee.
  Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Engel for yielding the 
time.
  I rise today in support of H.R. 1837, the U.S.-Israel Cooperation 
Enhancement and Regional Security Act.
  I thank Chairman Engel for his support of this legislation, as well 
as Ranking Member McCaul, and I am especially grateful to my friend, 
Congressman   Joe Wilson, for introducing this bill with me. I also 
thank the 289 bipartisan cosponsors of this bill.
  Today, we send a clear message that bipartisan support for the U.S.-
Israel relationship, for the security and civilian cooperation between 
our countries, and for the ties between the American and Israeli 
people, remains strong and unwavering.
  Today, we vote to strengthen and enhance this relationship, while 
also providing victims of terrorism a rightful path to justice and 
restoring much-needed assistance which contributes to security and 
saves the lives of Israelis and Palestinians.
  The security provisions in this bill reinforces the ways in which the 
U.S. guarantees Israel's right and ability to defend herself against 
any and all threats, in turn, contributing to our own national security 
interests in the region.
  By codifying the 2016 10-year memorandum of understanding, we advance 
security and stability in a volatile region. But just as our alliance 
with Israel is about more than just security, this bill is about more 
than just security as well.
  Our bond with Israel is rooted in our shared values. Just like this 
country, Israel is a vibrant democracy where political parties from 
right to left vigorously debate and disagree on politics and policy.
  This bill enhances nonsecurity cooperation between our two nations; 
cooperation that has yielded impactful and tangible results around the 
globe in areas like energy, and water, cybersecurity, health, and 
agriculture.
  It authorizes the United States and Israel to work together on 
humanitarian and development programs in developing countries; and it 
expands the work that Israel, the Palestinians, and other Arab states 
can do together to promote scientific and technological advancement and 
contribute to lasting regional stability.
  And finally, this legislation provides a long-awaited path to justice 
for victims of Palestinian terrorism.
  Last year, Congress passed the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act, 
which was meant to do just that. Unfortunately, that legislation has 
not yielded the intended results and, instead, created unintended 
foreign policy consequences.
  As a result, the Palestinian Authority refused to accept any U.S. 
assistance to the West Bank in Gaza, halting humanitarian programs run 
by international NGOs, and even our own USAID programming could not 
continue. The very real impact of these cuts has been felt on the 
ground.
  I recently led a bipartisan group of Members to visit a hospital in 
East Jerusalem that provides some of the only cancer treatments to 
Palestinians in the West Bank. That hospital has lost 25 percent of its 
funding.
  Also affected was U.S. funding for the training of Palestinian 
Security Forces. These forces cooperate with the Israeli Defense Forces 
to keep Israelis and Palestinians safe. This program, run by a U.S. 
General, saves Palestinian lives and Israeli lives, and it is currently 
not receiving funding.
  Mr. Speaker, we have a moral obligation to ensure that Americans 
injured or, even worse, killed by terrorism have a right to seek 
justice in our courts. We have a moral obligation, as well, to provide 
lifesaving assistance for those in need. And while this bill represents 
a compromise, I believe it will achieve both of these goals.
  Today, we cast a vote to expand relations with one of our closest 
allies; a relationship that is broad and deep; that highlights the 
positive impact the United States and Israel can have in so many 
critical areas when we work together; when we harness our mutual 
appreciation for science and education and technology; and when we work 
to advance security in the region.
  We do all of these because we know that whatever the politics and 
personalities, we are stronger as a Nation when we stand together with 
our ally, Israel, in support of security, peace, and democracy.
  I urge my colleagues to stand with me today and to support this good 
piece of legislation.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Puerto Rico (Miss Gonzalez-Colon).
  Miss GONZALEZ-COLON of Puerto Rico. Mr. Speaker, I think this is a 
very important bill, and I am proud to support H.R. 1837, the United 
States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act, that 
will make our bilateral security and economic cooperation stronger and 
more stable than ever before.

[[Page H7198]]

  On September 14 of 2016, the U.S. and Israel signed a memorandum of 
understanding ensuring $33 billion of military and strategic support 
over a 10-year period.

                              {time}  1630

  It reaffirmed the importance of continuing annual U.S. military 
assistance to Israel, our cooperative missile defense programs, in 
addition to other shared economic and technology interests.
  The bill before us codifies that assistance for the next 10 years, 
while providing us with the flexibility to increase that support should 
Israel be under an imminent threat of a military attack.
  It strengthens Israel's qualitative military edge and advances our 
collaboration on a range of issues, such as cybersecurity and space 
exploration, as well as authorizing $12 million for the U.S.-Israel 
Energy Center and, through USAID, advances our common goals of 
promoting agriculture, education, and trade with other countries around 
the world.
  As our strongest and most capable ally in a turbulent region, Israel 
is an essential U.S. strategic partner.
  Israel is also a target for hostile actors who call for her 
destruction. Just 2 months ago, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas 
terrorist groups launched over 600 rockets and mortars at Israeli 
civilian targets, killing four and wounding eight. May was Israel's 
deadliest month in almost 2 years.
  In addition to the threat coming from these terrorist groups, Israel 
faces a threat of a resurgent Iran, whose militias and proxies, from 
Iraq to Syria to Lebanon, continue to grow in numbers, weapons, and 
strength.
  Just recently, Chairman Deutch and I heard firsthand from Prime 
Minister Netanyahu some of these complex and serious existential 
challenges that seek to undermine our strategic ally.
  Mr. Speaker, it is now more important than ever that the United 
States stand with the democratic Jewish State of Israel and what she 
represents, which is freedom, democracy, and equality in that region. 
For that, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume to close.
  I want to, first of all, thank the gentlewoman from Puerto Rico (Miss 
Gonzalez-Colon) for her very eloquent statement and for her deep 
concern for the State of Israel. I thank her for that leadership.
  I would also like to thank, in closing, Mr. Deutch, Mr. Wilson, 
Chairman Engel, Ranking Member McCaul, and the Foreign Affairs 
Committee membership for their bipartisan work, and the staff, to 
ensure that the United States and Israel can work together to respond 
to shared challenges.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Schneider).
  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1837, the 
United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act.
  Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East, and we work jointly 
in a number of strategic areas. This bill strengthens our partnership 
and expands important economic, scientific, and security cooperation 
between the United States and Israel.
  This bill also encourages the United States to designate a new 
coordinator of U.S.-Israel research and development and establishes a 
grant program on cybersecurity development. It authorizes R&D on 
issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, agriculture, and the 
development of health technologies, as well as vital security 
assistance in accordance with the 2016 MOU.
  It also provides an important fix that ensures a path to justice for 
American victims of terrorism and retains our ability to provide vital 
assistance that promotes security and stability for both Israelis and 
Palestinians.
  I would like to thank my colleagues, Mr. Deutch and Mr. Wilson, for 
their leadership on this important bipartisan bill.
  I urge all my colleagues to vote on this bill.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for 
the purpose of closing.
  The United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional 
Security Act is an excellent bipartisan bill designed to further 
strengthen the relationship between Israel and the United States, give 
American victims their day in court, and restore assistance to the 
Palestinians.
  I strongly support this bill. I urge all Members to join me in doing 
so. Again, this is a bipartisan bill showing, again, the strong support 
that the United States and Israel have for each other.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 1837, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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