HR 4133: United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012

Congress: 112 · Status: active · Israel/Palestine classification: pro-Israel

Data (JSON) — machine-readable record of this bill (identifiers, sponsor, classification, actions, and the member-by-member vote breakdown).

Official record on Congress.gov — full text, actions, and cosponsor history for HR 4133.

Sponsor: Cantor, Eric (R-VA)

Summary

United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should take specified actions to assist in Israel's defense. States that is U.S. policy to: (1) help Israel preserve its qualitative military edge amid regional political transformation, and (2) encourage further development of advanced technology programs between the United States and Israel. Directs the President to report to Congress on: (1) the status of Israel's qualitative military edge in light of current regional trends and instability; (2) actions to improve the process relating to Israel's purchase and receipt of F-35 aircraft; (3) efforts to expand cooperation between the United States and Israel in homeland security, counter-terrorism, maritime security, energy, cyber security, and other appropriate areas; and (4) actions to integrate Israel into the defense of the Eastern Mediterranean. Amends the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, as amended, to extend authority for loan guarantees to Israel through September 30, 2015.

Editorial Explainer

Expresses Congress's support for maintaining Israel's military superiority in the region and directs the President to report on Israel's weapons acquisitions (including F-35 fighter jets), U.S.-Israel defense cooperation in areas like cybersecurity and counter-terrorism, and Israel's role in Eastern Mediterranean security. Extends U.S. loan guarantee authority for Israel through September 2015.

Why it matters

This establishes a congressional mandate to preserve Israel's "qualitative military edge" and requires executive branch coordination on advanced weapons transfers and regional defense integration. The loan guarantee extension provides Israel with continued access to favorable financing for security purchases.

Cosponsors (304)

Roll-call votes (431)