Buchanan Introduces Bill to Bolster U.S.-Israel Healthcare Partnership

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chair of the Health Subcommittee, introduced legislation to increase and facilitate close coordination between the United States and Israel on new and improved health care technologies. Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL) joined as original cosponsors.

The Maximizing Israel-U.S. Research Advancement and Collaborative Leadership in Emerging (MIRACLE) Medical Technology Act would:

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

"Israel is a leading hub for innovations in health technology, and the U.S. must continue to strengthen ties between our two countries to support mutual healthcare advancement and medical breakthroughs," said Buchanan. "With a ceasefire deal underway and hostages being freed at this very moment, there has never been a more critical time to ensure the health of both nations. I am proud to work with Reps. Miller-Meeks and Soto to support the development of emerging healthcare technologies with our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel."

"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," said Rep. Miller-Meeks. "At a time when Israel's national security is at risk, 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."

"I am proud to work with Congressman Buchanan on this effort to strengthen collaboration between the United States and Israel in the healthcare space. 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. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move this innovative proposal forward," said Rep. Soto.

This legislation is supported by AIPAC, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S.-Israel Healthcare Collaboration Center, the Combat Antisemitism Movement and the Israeli-American Civic Action Network.

"Health partnerships represent a growing facet of U.S.-Israel trade ties, totaling $50 billion a year. The MIRACLE Medical Technology Act provides an essential framework to enhance cooperation on intellectual property, market access, and research & development, strengthening good regulatory practices and clinical trials. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its U.S.-Israel Business Council strongly support swift passage of this bill, which will serve to enhance prospects of new investments in cutting-edge technologies, life-saving medicines and therapeutics," said Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

"The reintroduction of the MIRACLE Medical Technology Act represents a significant milestone in further strengthening the U.S.-Israel partnership in healthcare innovation. By advancing joint research initiatives in areas such as medical devices, genomics, AI and digital health, in harmonizing regulatory pathways, disease prevention programs, and fostering collaborative efforts in biological manufacturing and advanced therapies, this legislation paves the way for groundbreaking advancements in healthcare. Together, the U.S. and Israel will advance innovation, address critical healthcare challenges, and improve patient outcomes globally," said Oded Rose, President, U.S.-Israel Healthcare Collaboration Center.

"The U.S.-Israel relationship is built on shared values and interests, and 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," said the Combat Antisemitism Movement.

"As an Israeli-American, I am especially proud that this bipartisan initiative sets the standard for the future of healthcare innovation and collaboration. By strengthening ties between the United States and Israel, two global leaders in medical technology, we are fostering life-saving advancements that benefit patients worldwide. ICAN stands firmly in support of MIRACLE Medical Technology Act as it reinforces our shared commitment to innovation, health security, and the unbreakable U.S.-Israel alliance," said Robert Mayer, National Co-Chair, Israeli-American Civic Action Network.

In addition to being the Vice Chairman and most senior Republican on the powerful U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Buchanan is also the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, which has broad jurisdiction over traditional Medicare, the Medicare prescription drug benefit program and Medicare Advantage.