Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the United States-Israel Bilateral Innovation for Research and Development in (BIRD) Health Act of 2025. The legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to partner with the successful Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation to create a dedicated BIRD Health Program, modeled after existing collaborations in energy, cyber, and homeland security.

The BIRD Health Act deepens U.S.-Israel collaboration in the development of next-generation health technologies, fortify domestic supply chains, and reduce our reliance on adversarial nations for critical medical products. By leveraging Israel’s world-class biotech ecosystem and America's unmatched research infrastructure.

“The United States and Israel share one of the strongest, most enduring alliances in the world, and it just makes sense to join forces in advancing life-saving health technologies that benefit both our nations,” said Rep. Weber. “The BIRD Health Act of 2025 builds on our shared strengths to support cutting-edge medical innovation, strengthen supply chains, and improve health outcomes for American families.”

“U.S. and Israeli doctors, scientists, and researchers are leading the world in groundbreaking medical advancements, including regenerative medicine, disease prevention, and cancer research,” said Rep. Pappas. “The health technology and innovation program created through this bipartisan legislation will strengthen the bilateral partnership between the U.S. and Israel to address emerging health issues, develop innovative solutions, and save lives.”

The bill supports:
• Joint U.S.-Israel research and development in medical devices, digital health, diagnostics, vaccines, and biotechnology
• Manufacturing partnerships to boost U.S.-based production of critical medicines
• Innovation ecosystems that promote startups, clinical trials, and commercialization of new treatments
• Data-sharing and cybersecurity protocols to protect patient privacy and medical infrastructure

Read the bill here.