Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) has reintroduced a bill strengthening the United States' relationship with the State of Israel in the world of healthcare.
Rep. Buchanan's bill, the "Maximizing Israel-U.S. Research Advancement and Collaborative Leadership in Emerging" (MIRACLE) Medical Technology Act, promotes joint research and development between the two countries and creates a U.S.-Israel Health Care Collaboration Center.
Other provisions include support for "innovation hubs" designed to speed up research into new healthcare technologies for development and commercialization, bolster intellectual property protections of biological products and telemedicine infrastructure between the U.S. and Israel, and facilitate hospital cybersecurity improvement, disease prevention measures, and exchange/training programs.
Representatives Darren Soto (D-FL) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) cosponsored the bipartisan bill, although no Senate version has been proposed yet.
Rep. Buchanan first introduced the bill in May, although it never left committee.
In his press release, the Florida Congressman emphasized how "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."
Additionally, he suggested that the recent ceasefire between the Jewish State and Hamas means "there has never been a more critical time to ensure the health of both nations."
Similarly, Rep. Soto stressed the United States' position as "a leader in the global community," thus, "we must welcome opportunities to improve our development of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and other solutions such as early-stage clinical trials."
Finally, Rep. Miller-Meeks said, "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."
The Iowa Congresswoman echoed Buchanan's observation about the ceasefire by adding, "At a time when Israel's national security is at risk, it is critical that potential medical breakthroughs are not stifled."
