RELEASE: Gottheimer Reintroduces Bipartisan U.S.-Israel Anti-Killer Drone Act to Counter Iranian Drones

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, January 21, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-2) reintroduced the bipartisan U.S.-Israel Anti-Killer Drone Act, legislation to significantly strengthen cooperation between the United States and Israel to counter the rapidly evolving threat posed by Iran and its proxies’ unmanned systems — including so-called “killer drones” — across air, sea, and land domains.

The updated bill builds on the original bipartisan legislation by expanding its scope beyond aerial drones to include all unmanned systems and increasing authorized funding to $100 million, ensuring the United States and Israel have the resources and flexibility needed to stay ahead of evolving threats.

“As Iran and its terrorist proxies ramp up their use of deadly unmanned systems — from aerial drones to other advanced, unmanned weapons — we must move faster and think bigger,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “These attacks are targeting Israeli civilians, U.S. service members, critical infrastructure, and international shipping. This strengthened bipartisan bill will ensure the United States and Israel are fully equipped, fully funded, and fully coordinated to stop these threats before more innocent lives are lost.”

Drones have become a weapon of choice for Iran and its proxies. These drones have been used in attacks across the Middle East and beyond, including against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, Israeli civilian targets, maritime shipping in the Red Sea, and energy infrastructure. They were featured in Iran’s attacks on Israel in 2024 and 2025, and Hamas employed drones during its brutal October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel, which killed more than 1,200 people, including at least 30 Americans.

“The threat posed by hostile drones is real and growing, and the United States cannot afford to fall behind. This bipartisan legislation strengthens cooperation with Israel and ensures our militaries have the tools they need to defend against evolving threats. I’m proud to introduce this bill with Congressman Gottheimer to protect our national security and keep Americans and our allies safe,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-2).

“The U.S. and Israel face growing threats from unmanned aerial systems that are capable of overwhelming traditional air defense technologies. U.S. and Israeli partnerships in counter missile and drone innovations have proven essential as Iran, Russia, Turkey, and terror groups have used drones to target U.S. military personnel, civilians, and critical infrastructure. The U.S.-Israel Anti-Killer Drone Act would boost existing cooperation and help build out new capabilities to meet the evolving threats the U.S. and Israel face globally. We commend Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Andrew Garbarino for their dedicated bipartisan work to meet this challenge head on,” said Tyler Stapleton, Senior Director of Government Relations for FDD Action.

The U.S.-Israel Anti-Killer Drone Act of 2026 will:

• Expand joint U.S.-Israel cooperation to counter all unmanned systems, including aerial, maritime, and other emerging unmanned threats;
• Increase authorized funding to $100 million to accelerate research, development, testing, and deployment of counter–unmanned systems technologies;
• Enhance intelligence sharing, joint training, and operational coordination to address rapidly evolving threats;
• Strengthen and leverage the U.S.-Israel Operations Technology Working Group as the central hub for counter–unmanned systems efforts; and
• Require annual reports to Congress assessing progress, remaining threats, and future needs.

Find the bill text here.

The bill, co-led by Gottheimer and Garbarino, also includes the following original cosponsors: Ted Lieu (CA-36), Don Bacon (NE-02), David Valadao (CA-22), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Don Davis (NC-01), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06),  Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Dave Joyce (OH-14), and Nick LaLota (NY-01).

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