WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Coons' (D-DE) bipartisan resolution to strengthen the U.S.-Israel economic partnership passed the U.S. Senate this week unanimously. The resolution, S. Res. 383, was introduced by Senator Coons and Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and David Perdue (D-GA) on March 1 and approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on March 10, 2016.
“I am pleased to see the Senate pass a resolution commemorating the strength of the economic ties between the United States and Israel," said Senator Coons. "The security ties between our countries are essential, but the economic ties, based on a common culture of entrepreneurship and innovation are just as important. I am glad that the Senate was able to draw attention to the strength of our ties in science, industrial research and development, and other fast-growing sectors.”
“I'm very glad to see the Senate move so quickly to recognize the importance of the U.S.-Israel economic relationship,” said Aaron Menenberg, Director of Congressional Affairs, Israel Allies Foundation. “While common values are the internal bond between Americans and Israelis, the economic benefits from our alliance and their incredible impact on our quality of life continue to bring us closer. Senators Perdue, Tester and Coons and the other co-sponsors should be applauded for their leadership. I look forward to working with them in the future to bring more economic benefit from our alliance with Israel to Americans around the country.”
Since the signing of the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement 30 years ago, Israel has become one of our country’s most dynamic economic collaborators in the Middle East and North Africa. Specifically, S. Res. 383 seeks to: (1) affirm the robustness of the economic relationship; (2) recognize that science and technology innovation present new frontiers for economic cooperation; (3) encourage the Administration to expand and regularize existing forums of economic dialogue with Israel; and (4) support the exploration of new agreements, including in the fields of energy, water, agriculture, medicine, neurotechnology and cybersecurity.
In addition to U.S. Senators Coons, Perdue, and Tester co-sponsors of the resolution include U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ron Wyden (D-OR).