LEGISLATION STRENGTHENS INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP WITH ALLIES IN GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM

Continuing to work in a bipartisan manner to protect America, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) the Ranking Member on the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology today passed comprehensive homeland security legislation through the U.S. House of Representatives.  H.R. 4942, the “Promoting Antiterrorism Capabilities Through International Cooperation Act” will advance the international partnership between America, Israel and other allies in the War on Terror.  The bill is designed specifically to develop and share state-of-the-art homeland security technology.

“I applaud Congress for sharing my vision to strengthen international security partnerships,” stated Pascrell.  “Through my work here at home and recent international travel to America’s ally nations, I am certain that a more global approach to combating terrorism is the only way to defeat our enemies.  This legislation is an important step forward in further securing America and our friends in the international community, especially Israel and those located in very dangerous parts of the world.” 

The Promoting Antiterrorism Capabilities Through International Terrorism Act was inspired by the success of the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation.  The BIRD Foundation’s mission is to stimulate, promote and support defense research and development of mutual benefit to the U.S. and Israel.  In 29 years, the BIRD Foundation has invested $225 million in 690 cooperative research and development projects mutually beneficial to the United States and Israel. The BIRD model serves as a solid foundation for international cooperation in homeland security research and development.  H.R. 4942 was supported by Pascrell’s January homeland security assignment to Europe where he met with top anti-terror officials to further advance a global strategy against terrorism.
 
The legislation will establish an office in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called the Science and Technology Homeland Security International Cooperative Programs Office.  It authorizes activities to share technologies, and provides the office with funds to develop new homeland security technologies between U.S. agencies, academic centers, companies and their counterparts located in ally nations.  

The legislation authorizes $25 million from 2007-2010 and specifies that the DHS should seek to partner with U.S. allies in the global war on terrorism, including Israel, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Singapore.

Pascrell concluded, “Israel has substantial experience dealing with terrorism. And by necessity, it has become a hotbed for counterterrorism research—innovating well out of proportion to its size.  From body armor to screening devices, Israel is light years ahead of the United States in developing technologies that protect its law enforcement officers, first responders, and citizens.  The United States could greatly benefit from joint international homeland security technology development programs with Israel and other allies in the War on Terror.”

 
 

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