WASHINGTON, D.C., Mar. 8, 2018-

Northwest Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson’s United States-Israel Joint Drone Detection Cooperation Act was incorporated into the U.S.-Israeli Security Assistance Authorization Act, a major piece of legislation on Capitol Hill.

The Congressman’s bill, which he co-authored with Florida Democratic Representative Charlie Crist, boosts cooperation between the United States and Israel in defending against drone attacks.

“As technology develops, we too must adapt to ensure the safety and security of our nation now and for generations to come,” Johnson said. “I am proud to introduce this bill with my good friend, Congressman Crist, and look forward to further enhancing our decades-old alliance with Israel.”

Recent incursions into Israeli airspace by Iranian drones, as well as the increased frequency in which ISIS and other terrorist groups have been using drones in Syria and Iraq, underscore the importance of the increased security measures.

“Defense strategies in that region must constantly adapt as new technologies and new threats emerge, and I am grateful our drone detection legislation has been included in the bipartisan U.S.-Israeli Security Assistance Authorization Act,” said Johnson. “It is encouraging to work in Congress with so many leaders on both sides of the aisle who share a commitment to these priorities.”

The U.S.-Israeli Security Assistance Authorization Act is a large piece of legislation that is being developed by U.S. Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Ted Deutch (D-FL).

In addition to drone defense, The U.S.-Israeli Security Assistance Authorization Act also increases U.S.-Israeli cooperation in security assistance, cybersecurity, and space policy.