The U.S. Senate unanimously adopted the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act on Thursday evening, reports JNS.
The bipartisan bill, which declares Israel to be a “major strategic partner,” was authored by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) and had 81 co-sponsors.
“America’s long-standing relationship and strong cooperation with Israel dates back to the presidency of fellow Missourian Harry S. Truman,” Blunt said in a statement quoted by JNS.
Besides generally elevating the status of the U.S.-Israel relationship, the bill expands the Jewish state’s trade status to expedite export licensing, increases cooperation on energy and other technologies, maintains Israel’s qualitative military edge in the Middle East, and increases U.S. weapons stockpiles in Israel as well as Israeli access to them.
The “major strategic partner” bill has been promoted by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and a similar bill was passed by the U.S. House in March.
AIPAC welcomed the adoption of the bill, saying in a statement, “This bill will dramatically strengthen and expand the U.S.-Israel alliance as a way to confront new threats and challenges in the Middle East.”