Sponsors (14)
The bill strengthens U.S.–Israel cooperation to speed development and deployment of defenses against Iran‑origin unmanned systems and increases transparency, but does so with risks of higher defense costs, administrative/legal ambiguity, and potential diplomatic escalation.
U.S. and allied military personnel will gain faster development, acquisition, and fielding of defenses against Iran-origin unmanned systems through formal U.S.–Israel cooperation, joint R&D, information sharing, and joint training, improving readiness and interoperability.
Taxpayers and Congress will receive annual, transparent reports on U.S. counter‑UAS activities and progress, enabling better oversight and more informed funding and policy decisions.
U.S. focus on coordinated, strongly worded actions against Iran-origin UAS could constrain diplomatic flexibility and raise the risk of escalation with Iran and its partners, affecting regional stability and potentially drawing U.S. forces into greater tensions.
Expanded U.S.–Israel military cooperation and expedited acquisition authorities could increase defense spending pressures and long-term costs for American taxpayers if new programs and procurements are funded.
Amending statutory funding language risks introducing ambiguity or errors in authorized funding levels and authorities, which could delay implementation or complicate execution by the Department of Defense and other agencies.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Records findings about Iran-origin unmanned aerial systems, urges expanded U.S.–Israel counter-UAS cooperation, and makes a narrow textual change to 22 U.S.C. § 8606.
Official title: To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, to make improvements relating to cooperation between the United States and Israel to counter unmanned systems across warfighting domains, and for other purposes.
Introduced January 21, 2026 by Josh S. Gottheimer · Last progress January 21, 2026
Creates congressional findings about threats from Iran-origin unmanned aerial systems (UAS) — including ISR drones and armed loitering munitions — and urges expanded U.S.–Israel cooperation to counter those systems through R&D, information sharing, training, acquisition coordination, and use of the existing U.S.–Israel Operations‑Technology Working Group. It also includes a nonbinding Sense of Congress and attempts a technical amendment to 22 U.S.C. § 8606 (adjusting a quoted dollar figure), but contains no new funding, operational authorities, or direct requirements for domestic agencies.