RELEASE: Gottheimer, Mast Announce Bipartisan Bunker Buster Act to Combat Iranian Threats, Protect Key Ally Israel

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Brian Mast (FL-21) announced bipartisan legislation, the Bunker Buster Act, which authorizes the President to protect Israel with the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bomb, capable of taking out Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure. The legislation, which is critical to America’s global fight against terrorism, helps ensure that Iran cannot threaten the U.S. or its allies with a nuclear weapon. The Bunker Buster Act comes as Iran and its terrorist proxies continue to wreak havoc and chaos: just last week, Hezbollah bombed a soccer field in Israel, killing twelve children and teenagers, and Iran renewed threats against Israel. FDD Action has endorsed the legislation. 

The bipartisan Bunker Buster Act will:

• Help ensure Iran can never threaten the U.S., Israel, or our allies with a nuclear weapon;
• Require the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to consult with Israel and report to Congress on Israel’s capability to deter a full range of threats, including whether transferring “bunker buster” munitions capable of taking out Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure would advance both countries’ security; and,
• Preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region while reaffirming the credibility of the U.S. military to deter Iran. 

“The bipartisan Bunker Busters Act is critical to America’s global fight against terrorism. While Iran and its terrorist proxies continue to wreak havoc and chaos around the world, we must ensure they can never threaten the U.S. or our allies with a nuclear weapon,” said Congressman Gottheimer, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (NJ-5). “Iran and its terrorist proxies hate America even more than they hate Israel. I’m proud to lead this critical legislation with Congressman Brian Mast, which bolsters our national security, along with Israel.”

“We cannot sit silently while the Ayatollah and his minions plot to wipe Israel off the map,” said Congressman Brian Mast (FL-21). “That’s why Congressman Gottheimer and I are working together to pass the Bunker Buster Act. Israel must have the tools necessary to protect its people against Iranian aggression.” 

“As the regime in Iran advances its nuclear program at an unprecedented pace, it has dramatically improved its ability to quickly sprint toward weaponization. It is vital that the United States and our international partners are prepared to respond to a scenario, including with targeted strikes against Iran’s hardened nuclear facilities. This legislation enhances regional deterrence by ensuring the United States and Israel are taking appropriate measures to increase the military viability and effectiveness of a strike on Iran’s hardened nuclear sites,” said FDD Action.

###