WASHINGTON – Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman 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 Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Congressman Soto (D-FL) joined as original cosponsors.
Specifically, the Maximizing Israel-U.S. Research Advancement and Collaborative Leadership in Emerging Medical Technology Act, or simply, the (MIRACLE) Medical Technology Act 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
“Similar to the United States, Israel is a leading hub for new and innovative health-related technology,” said Congressman Buchanan. “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.”
“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 Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. “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.”
“I am proud to work with Congressman Buchanan on this effort to strengthen collaboration between the United States and Israel in the healthcare space,” said Congressman Soto. “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.”
This legislation is supported by AIPAC, Combat Antisemitism Movement, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and the Jewish Federations.
"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 Sacha Roytman, CEO of the Combat Antisemitism Movement.
“We applaud the bipartisan introduction of the MIRACLE Medical Technology Act. The U.S.-Israel relationship is mutually beneficial in many respects – technological and health research and development being a key facet of that,” said William C. Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of the Major American Jewish Organizations. “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.”
“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," said Karen Paikin Barall, Vice President of Government Relations for the Jewish Federations.
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.
