Press Releases

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Joe Wilson (SC-02), and Brad Schneider (IL-10) announced the reintroduction of the BIRD Energy and U.S.-Israel Energy Center Reauthorization Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation extends and expands the successful U.S.-Israel energy partnership through 2034, ensuring continued collaboration on clean energy innovation, energy security, and economic growth in both nations.

Since its inception, the BIRD Energy program has provided funding for projects driving advancements in cutting-edge clean energy technologies such as energy storage, renewable energy, and cybersecurity for energy infrastructure. The program has facilitated groundbreaking collaborations between U.S. and Israeli companies, resulting in innovations like flexible solar panels for wireless electronics and solar energy production systems that operate over water reservoirs.

By reauthorizing this vital program, the legislation will strengthen U.S.-Israel cooperation in clean energy technology and research, expand investments in hydrogen, fusion energy, and modernized energy infrastructure, and enhance energy security through advancements in smart grid systems and efficiency programs. It will also support economic innovation and job creation in both countries.

"For over a decade, the BIRD Energy program has demonstrated the power of collaboration between the U.S. and Israel in advancing clean energy solutions. By reauthorizing and expanding this successful initiative, we are doubling down on our commitment to innovation, energy security, and economic growth," said Wasserman Schultz. "This bill will help develop cutting-edge technologies like hydrogen and fusion energy while strengthening our shared energy infrastructure. Investing in this partnership is an investment in a cleaner, more resilient future for both nations.

“Israel is one of the United States’ strongest allies. By expanding the mutually beneficial U.S.- Israel Energy Cooperation program, we will continue to grow our strategic partnership, increase our joint energy security, and ensure both nations have access to cutting-edge technology,” said Carter.

The U.S.-Israel Energy Cooperation program, established in 2009, has played a key role in advancing commercialization of clean energy technologies and improving energy resilience. The BIRD Energy program has proven that international collaboration leads to meaningful technological breakthroughs, strengthening economic and energy security for both nations.

“In the wake of Hamas’s barbaric October 7 attacks and amidst Israel’s ongoing existential struggle, reaffirming the U.S.-Israel partnership through the BIRD Energy program takes on special urgency,” said Schneider. “This bipartisan effort underscores America’s steadfast support for Israel by advancing crucial cooperation on clean energy, strengthening Israeli resilience, and securing a prosperous future for both our nations.”

“I am grateful to co-sponsor this important bipartisan bill that will further critical U.S.-Israel cooperation on the energies of the future like hydrogen and fusion, as well as the technologies to modernize and protect our energy infrastructure. U.S.-Israel energy cooperation brings together the best of both nations’ capabilities to advance our joint energy goals,” said Wilson. “It is imperative that we deepen and expand our cooperation with our valued ally Israel across all sectors to ensure we can meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

This legislation has been endorsed by AIPAC. To see the bill, click here.

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