WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives today approved H.R. 938, the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 by a vote of 410 to 1. Title II of the bipartisan bill was authored by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Ranking Member Henry A. Waxman (D-CA) to strengthen the collaboration between the United States and Israel on energy development and to bolster the existing United States-Israel energy relationship by encouraging increased cooperation between the two countries.

"I am pleased this important measure was included in the legislative package and encouraged to see it received such overwhelming support. With a simple amendment to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, this legislation will help bolster the partnership between Israel and the U.S. on energy production and help enhance energy security," said Upton. "With America’s assistance, Israel can further develop its natural resources, including newly discovered natural gas reserves. I thank Ranking Member Waxman for his leadership on this issue, and I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance commonsense energy solutions."   

"Today the House passed an important bill that will expand the partnership between the U.S. and Israel," said Waxman. "Israel is a close ally, and it is in our national interest to help the Israelis development their natural resources in a responsible way that protects the environment."