Rep. Vern Buchanan introduces bill to bolster U.S.-Israel healthcare technology collaboration

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., has proposed a bill aimed at enhancing and streamlining collaboration between the U.S. and Israel regarding advancements in healthcare technologies.

“Similar to the United States, Israel is a leading hub for new and innovative health-related technology,” Buchanan said.

Buchanan, serving as vice chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, introduced the bill called “Maximizing Israel-U.S. Research Advancement and Collaborative Leadership in Emerging Medical Technology Act,” dubbed as the “MIRACLE Medical Technology Act.”

Iowa Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Florida Democratic Rep. Darren Soto cosponsored the legislation.

“I am pleased to introduce this important bipartisan legislation with Congresswoman Miller-Meeks and Congressman Soto to help foster and build stronger ties in health care between the United States and our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel,” Buchanan said.

According to a press release, the legislation would:

• Promote R&D between the U.S. and Israel
• Support innovation hubs to accelerate the development and commercialization of new and emerging health technologies
• Protect health IP protections for biological products shared between the countries
• Facilitate best practices for health care system strengthening, including hospital cybersecurity efforts
• Enhance telemedicine infrastructure between the two countries 
• Increase disease prevention initiatives
• Promote exchange programs and training initiatives
• Establish a U.S. Israel Health Care Collaboration Center

“Israel is not only an outpost of freedom in the Middle East, it is an innovation and technological powerhouse. Our bipartisan bill would enhance cooperation with our great ally and advance important research in health technology to benefit humanity,” Miller-Meeks said. “At a time when Israel is under attack, it is critical that potential medical breakthroughs are not stifled. I am proud to join Reps. Buchanan and Soto in this bipartisan effort and I will continue to stand with Israel.”

The proposal has gained support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Combat Antisemitism Movement, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and the Jewish Federations.

“I am proud to work with Congressman Buchanan on this effort to strengthen collaboration between the United States and Israel in the healthcare space,” Soto said.

“As the U.S. secures itself as a leader in the global community, we must welcome opportunities to improve our development of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and other solutions such as early-stage clinical trials,” he continued. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move this innovative proposal forward.”

CEO if the Combat Antisemitism Movement Sacha Roytman said the U.S.-Israel relationship is built on “shared values and interests.”

“The deepened collaboration fostered by this vital legislation will only further strengthen the enduring alliance and promote the health and prosperity of the peoples of both nations,” Roytman said.

CEO of the Conference of Presidents of the Major American Jewish Organizations William C. Daroff applauded the proposed legislation and said Israel and the U.S.’ relationship is “mutually beneficial in many respects,” pointing to technological and health research and development being a “key facet of that.”

“The MIRACLE Medical Technology Act will help to streamline this cooperation by establishing a U.S. Israel Health Care Collaboration Center and will strengthen telemedicine infrastructure, disease prevention, hospital cybersecurity, and more,” Daroff said.

Vice President of Government Relations for the Jewish Federations Karen Paikin Barall also commented on the newly proposed legislation.

“Now, more than ever, it is critical that the United States continue to strengthen its relationship with Israel, expanding to new horizons that foster innovation and research with lasting healthcare impacts for both the United States and its ally,” she said.

Apart from his role as the vice chairman and the leading Republican member on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Buchanan also serves as the chairman of the Health Subcommittee. This subcommittee holds extensive authority over traditional Medicare, the Medicare prescription drug benefit program, and Medicare Advantage.