Collins, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support U.S.-Israel Cybersecurity Partnership

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, joined a group of bipartisan colleagues in introducing the U.S.-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act, legislation that would establish a Department of Homeland Security grant program to facilitate closer U.S.-Israel cybersecurity cooperation.

“Cyberattacks pose a grave risk to our national security, intellectual property, personal data, and public safety.  The recent SolarWinds hack demonstrated how vulnerable U.S. networks are to cyberattacks and should serve as a wake-up call about the need to address our glaring vulnerabilities,” said Senator Collins.  “By facilitating closer cooperation with our ally Israel, our bipartisan bill would help the U.S. develop sophisticated cybersecurity technology and thwart future attacks.”

The U.S.-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act would establish a Department of Homeland Security grant program to support cybersecurity research and development and the demonstration and commercialization of cybersecurity technology.  The grant program would be funded at a level of $6 million annually for five years.  Private companies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and government entities in Israel or the U.S. would be eligible for the grants, so long as they are engaged in a joint venture with a corresponding institution in the other country.

In addition to Senator Collins, the bipartisan legislation was co-sponsored by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Todd Young (R-IN).

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