River Bend Times

U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-1), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), and Darren Soto (FL-9) have introduced bipartisan legislation to enhance and streamline coordination between the United States and Israel on new and improved health care technologies.

The Maximizing Israel-U.S. Research Advancement and Collaborative Leadership in Emerging Medical Technology Act, also known as the MIRACLE Medical Technology Act, aims to promote research and development between the U.S. and Israel, support innovation hubs for accelerating the development of new health technologies, protect intellectual property rights for biological products shared between the countries, facilitate best practices for strengthening health care systems including hospital cybersecurity efforts, enhance telemedicine infrastructure, increase disease prevention initiatives, promote exchange programs and training initiatives, and 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,” said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. “At a time when Israel is under attack, it is critical that potential medical breakthroughs are not stifled."

Congressman Buchanan added: “Similar to the United States, Israel is a leading hub for new and innovative health-related technology. I am pleased to introduce this important bipartisan legislation with Congresswoman Miller-Meeks and Congressman Soto to help foster stronger ties in health care between the United States and our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel.”

Congressman Soto emphasized: “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."

This legislation has garnered support from AIPAC, Combat Antisemitism Movement, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and Jewish Federations. Sacha Roytman, CEO of the Combat Antisemitism Movement, said: "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.”

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