King, Thompson Anti-Terror Technology Sharing bill passes House
Legislation will build on relationships with key allies like Israel
Today, U.S. Reps. Peter T. King (R-NY) and Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, announced House passage of H.R. 844, the “Promoting Anti-terrorism Cooperation through Technology and Science (PACTS) Act.” The bill will enable the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collaborate with our strongest allies—including Israel, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Singapore—in the development of homeland security technologies and sharing of scientific information to help thwart terrorist attacks.
“The 9/11 Commission made it clear that our country needs to do a better job of engaging other nations in developing a coalition strategy against terrorism, and that is exactly what this bill helps accomplish,” Rep. King said. “Israel is one of our most important allies in the War on Terror, and a symbol of hope and freedom in the Middle East. That relationship should serve as a model for all our allies.”
“Homeland security begins at home but does not end at our borders. Many of our security threats could be addressed by revolutionary technologies, some of which have been developed by friends and allies around the world,” Rep. Thompson said. “The Department of Homeland Security has had some success in leveraging international homeland security technologies and incorporating them here at home. This bill will allow the Department to accelerate and broaden those efforts to fully connect the Department with many more international science and technology businesses, including those that are small and disadvantaged. Collaboration done correctly could help protect our communities if given the chance.”
The bill is modeled after an established, highly successful joint venture with Israel, the Bi-national Industrial Research and Development Foundation, or “BIRD” Foundation. The BIRD Foundation has invested $225 million in 690 cooperative research and development projects since 1977, benefiting both Israel and the United States.
“By enhancing international cooperation and the development of anti-terror technologies, this legislation will increase the security of our homeland, as well as that of our allies,” King said. “I am pleased to have helped lead such a successful effort in the House, and I urge the Senate to act swiftly on the measure.”
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Dena Graziano or Todd Levett at (202) 225-9978.
