RELEASE: Gottheimer, Lawler Introduce Bipartisan Bunker Buster Act to Equip Israel Against Iran’s Continued Nuclear Threat, Strengthen U.S. National Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, July 2, 2025, U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the bipartisan Bunker Buster Act, legislation that authorizes the president to support Israel’s defense by providing the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), or “bunker buster” bomb, and the aircraft required to deploy it — to take out Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure. Equipping Israel with this capability directly strengthens American national security by eliminating Iran’s pathway to a nuclear weapon.

Iran, directly and through its network of terror proxies, continues to target the United States, Israel, and our allies, while working to destabilize the region. The regime is responsible for the deaths of thousands of American civilians and servicemembers over the past four decades, attacking our bases, ships, and embassies. 

The recent U.S. strikes using bunker buster bombs degraded Iran’s deep underground nuclear facilities. While diminished, Iran remains committed to enriching uranium and developing a nuclear weapon. In the face of ongoing threats, it is imperative to equip Israel with maximum deterrence so Iran cannot move ahead with their nuclear program. 

The bipartisan Bunker Buster Act will:

• Help ensure Iran can never threaten the U.S., Israel, or our allies with a nuclear weapon; 
• Give the President the authority to transfer the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bomb, or “bunker buster,” and the aircraft necessary to carry it — if Iran is on the cusp of developing a weapon; and
• Preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region while maintaining the capacity to deter Iran.

The full text of the Bunker Buster Act is available HERE.

The list of original cosponsors includes: Reps. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Tom Suozzi (NY-03).

“Iran, the leading state sponsor of terror, and one of America’s top enemies, can never have a nuclear weapon. That’s why I strongly supported our military actions earlier this month. Iran has killed scores of Americans, including our service members, and repeatedly attacked our key democratic ally, Israel. Israel must be able to defend herself against Iran, and ensure that Iran cannot rebuild its nuclear capabilities,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill allowing the President to give Israel bunker buster bombs to stop Iran in its tracks. There should be nothing partisan about our national security.”

“I’m honored to introduce the Bunker Buster Act with Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a bipartisan stand to protect Israel and stop Iran’s nuclear threat. Iran’s uranium stockpile makes clear that the danger is real. This bill gives the President the authority to equip Israel with the tools and training they need to deter Tehran and make the world a safer place,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).

“Following a successful bombing campaign by the United States and Israel, Iran’s nuclear program has been significantly degraded. Despite this achievement, it remains critical that the U.S. continue to support Israel in training and equipping its forces to target and destroy fortified nuclear facilities that could be rebuilt in the coming years. The United States should assist Israel in developing the capability to store bunker-buster munitions and create an aerial delivery system that can be deployed independently by Israeli forces if necessary. Congress should authorize the Department of Defense to take these actions without delay, ensuring both the U.S. and Israel retain the operational flexibility needed to counter the ongoing threat of a nuclear-armed Iran,” said Tyler Stapleton, Director of Government Relations, FDD Action.

The Bunker Buster Act announcement comes as Iran maintains its commitment to sever its relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has reported that Iran is in violation of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations — a dangerous step toward developing nuclear weapons.

Since 1979, Iran’s repeated acts of terror have made clear that the regime can never be trusted with the infrastructure necessary to build a nuclear weapon.

Iranian Support for Terrorism:

• On October 7, 2023, Iran-backed Hamas terrorists launched the largest assault on the Jewish people since the Holocaust — murdering 1,200 people, including 46 Americans.
• Since October 7, 2023, Iran-backed proxies have launched attacks against U.S. servicemembers in Iraq and Syria, in addition to launching missiles at U.S. ships in the Red Sea.
• Iran bears responsibility for the deaths of 603 U.S. service members in Iraq between 2003 and 2011.
• From 2000-2001, Iran knowingly permitted members of Al-Qaeda, including several of the 9/11 hijackers, to transit Iranian territory on their way to Afghanistan for training.
  • In April 2018, a U.S. judge ordered Iran to pay $6 billion to the families of 9/11 victims for supporting the hijackers.
• In 2018, Iranian-backed terrorist proxies in Iraq launched attacks against the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the U.S. Consulate in Basra. The funding and training for these assaults came directly from Iran.
• In 1988, Iran — in violation of international law — mined the Persian Gulf, one of which struck the U.S. Navy guided missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts, injuring 10 sailors.
• In 2011, U.S. law enforcement stopped a plot on American soil by Iran to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the U.S. by bombing a popular restaurant in Washington, D.C.
• In 2024, three Iranian agents were arrested after law enforcement uncovered a plot to surveil and murder American targets, including an Iranian dissident and President Trump, according to the Department of Justice.

###