Abraham Accords Science and Medical Research Collaboration Act

[Avner]

N THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

Mrs. Avraham (for herself) submits the following

BILL

Section 1: Short Title

This Act may be cited as the "Abraham Accords Science and Medical Research Collaboration Act."

Section 2: Findings

Congress finds the following:

1. The Abraham Accords represent a historic normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.
2. Enhanced cooperation in science, technology, and medical research can promote peace, stability, and innovation in the Middle East and beyond.
3. Collaborative efforts between the United States and the Abraham Accords member countries in scientific research and medical advancements can accelerate healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, and cybersecurity progress.
4. Joint research and development (R&D) can address pressing global challenges, including pandemics, climate change, and renewable energy.

Section 3: Establishment of the Abraham Accords R&D Initiative

(a) Program Establishment – The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Energy, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), shall establish the Abraham Accords R&D Initiative to:

1. Promote joint research and development in scientific and medical fields between the United States and member countries of the Abraham Accords.
2. Facilitate cooperation between public and private institutions, universities, research centers, and industries from the U.S. and Abraham Accords nations.

(b) Priority Areas for Research – The initiative shall prioritize research and development in the following fields:

1. Medical and Health Research, including studying infectious diseases, cancer treatment, mental health, and innovative therapies.
2. Biotechnology, such as gene editing, medical devices, and pharmaceutical innovation.
3. Environmental Science, focusing on climate change adaptation, renewable energy, water management, and sustainable agriculture.
4. Cybersecurity and Information Technology, including AI, data protection, and digital health.
5. Space Science and Technology, fostering collaboration on space exploration and satellite research.

Section 4: Grants and Funding Mechanism

(a) Competitive Grants Program – In collaboration with relevant federal agencies, the Secretary of State shall establish a competitive grants program to fund joint U.S.-Abraham Accords scientific and medical research projects.

1. Grants shall be awarded to research partnerships that include institutions from the United States and one or more Abraham Accords countries.
2. Applicants must demonstrate the potential for their projects to advance knowledge in priority areas, strengthen diplomatic ties, and deliver tangible benefits to public health or scientific advancement.

(b) Public-Private Partnerships – The program shall encourage partnerships between government agencies, private industry, and academic institutions to:

1. Leverage private sector expertise and investment to support joint research initiatives.
2. Foster commercialization of new technologies and medical treatments developed through collaborative research.

(c) Joint Research Facilities – Funds may be allocated to support the establishment of joint U.S.-Abraham Accords research centers or laboratories in the Middle East or the United States designed to facilitate ongoing collaborative efforts.

Section 5: Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange

(a) Scholarship and Exchange Programs – The Secretary of State, in collaboration with the Department of Education, shall expand scholarship and exchange programs that:

1. Enable scientists, researchers, and students from Abraham Accords countries to study and collaborate in the United States.
2. Facilitate U.S. students and researchers who are participating in joint projects or exchanges in the Abraham Accords countries.

(b) Workshops and Conferences – The Secretary of State, in coordination with scientific agencies, shall sponsor international workshops, symposiums, and conferences to:

1. Promote sharing best practices, research findings, and technological innovations between the U.S. and Abraham Accords countries.
2. Foster cross-cultural understanding and cooperation in addressing shared global challenges.

Section 6: Coordination and Oversight

(a) Interagency Working Group – The President shall establish an interagency working group, co-chaired by the Secretary of State and the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to:

1. Coordinate U.S. government efforts to advance scientific and medical collaboration under the Abraham Accords.
2. Ensure that R&D initiatives are aligned with U.S. foreign policy objectives and contribute to regional peace and stability.

(b) Annual Report to Congress – The Secretary of State shall submit an annual report to Congress detailing:

1. The status of U.S.-Abraham Accords R&D projects, including funded research, partnerships formed, and progress made in priority areas.
2. The economic, scientific, and diplomatic impacts of the collaborative research initiatives.
3. Any recommendations for expanding or improving U.S. engagement with Abraham Accords countries in science and medicine.

 

Quote

PES: This legislation seeks to deepen scientific, medical, and technological collaboration between the United States and the nations of the Abraham Accords, fostering innovation, diplomacy, and mutual benefit through joint research and development efforts.

 

[Sovereign]

CS