BIRD Health Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 16, 2025
Bottom line
This bill establishes a new bilateral program to enhance U.S.-Israel collaboration in health technology research, development, and commercialization, building on a successful existing model.
What it actually does
H.R. 4473 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the "BIRD Health Program" in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce and the BIRD Foundation. This program aims to foster bilateral research and innovation between the United States and Israel in various health-related areas, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, digital health, and disease prevention, by providing funding for joint projects and strengthening healthcare ecosystems.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the bill leverages a proven model of bilateral cooperation (the BIRD Foundation) to accelerate innovation in critical health technologies. They contend that fostering joint R&D, commercialization, and data sharing with Israel, a leader in health tech, will lead to advancements in areas like vaccine development, personalized medicine, and digital health, ultimately benefiting both nations' healthcare systems and global health security.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the goals are laudable, establishing a new dedicated program might duplicate efforts or divert resources from existing domestic health research initiatives. Concerns could also be raised about the specific focus areas, potential for intellectual property disputes in international collaborations, or the allocation of funds to a bilateral program when domestic needs are pressing.
The bill is short and clearly written, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 1
Short Title
This section formally names the Act as the "United States-Israel Bilateral Innovation for Research and Development in Health Act of 2025" or the "BIRD Health Act of 2025." This provides a concise and recognizable name for the legislation.
Supporters argue
A clear short title makes the bill easily identifiable and referencable in legislative discourse and public discussion.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision as it is a standard legislative practice.
Tradeoffs
None.
Section 2
Congressional Findings
This section outlines Congress's rationale for the bill, highlighting the success of the existing BIRD Foundation model, the significant health-related projects it has supported, and previous U.S.-Israel health cooperation agreements. It establishes the context and justification for creating the new BIRD Health Program.
Section 3(a)
Program Establishment
This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the "BIRD Health Program" through a cooperative agreement. The program's purpose is to facilitate and coordinate U.S.-Israel efforts to expand collaboration on developing and delivering healthcare products and services. HHS is to coordinate with the Secretary of Commerce and the BIRD Foundation's Executive Director.
Section 3(b)
Program Structure and Focus Areas
This section details how the BIRD Health Program will be run, stating it will be administered by the BIRD Foundation and jointly governed by representatives from HHS and the Israeli Ministry of Health. It sets out specific goals, including facilitating joint R&D, supporting commercialization of innovative healthcare products (e.g., medical devices, digital health, vaccines), and strengthening health-related ecosystems. It also outlines key components like funding for R&D, innovation ecosystems, healthcare system strengthening, telemedicine, disease prevention, and biological product manufacturing.
Section 4(a)
Funding Authorization
This section authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2032 to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out the Act. It also specifies that these funds will be administered through the BIRD Foundation with oversight from HHS and the Secretary of Commerce.
Section 5
Program Oversight and Accountability
This section mandates annual reports from the Secretary of HHS to Congress, detailing the program's establishment, funded projects' impact, economic and scientific benefits, and policy recommendations. Additionally, it requires a comprehensive program review every three years, including recommendations for renewal or expansion.