Jimmy Panetta (D-CA)
Abraham Accords Defense Cooperation Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 4 Republican cosponsors · See all 6 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Abraham Accords Defense Cooperation Act of 2026 requires the Secretary of Defense to create the United States-Abraham Accords Defense Cooperation Initiative. This initiative aims to increase defense cooperation between the U.S. and Abraham Accords countries. Goals include deterring aggression from Iran and its proxies and improving regional military planning. The Secretary must report a strategy and necessary funding to Congress within 60 days. Additionally, Congress suggests that participating countries should provide matching funds.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +8
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The bill explicitly bolsters defense cooperation with Abraham Accords countries.
- Scored +7
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
It fosters strategic partnerships between the US, Israel, and Arab/Muslim-majority nations.
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into stopping terrorism?
The initiative aims to deter aggression from Iran and its proxies.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what is spent on the military?
The bill establishes a new defense initiative that will require funding.
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?
The bill requires the Secretary to determine necessary funding, which may increase government spending.
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The establishment of a new defense initiative likely requires new budgetary allocations.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Deterring Aggression: Section 3(c)(1) aims to deter aggression by Iran and its proxies in the Middle East, which could lead to increased regional stability.
-
Enhanced Military Capabilities: Section 3(c)(3) focuses on improving regional planning for critical systems like ground-based air defenses, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, which can improve security coordination.
-
Shared Financial Burden: Section 3(e) expresses the sense of Congress that participating countries should provide matching funds, which may reduce the sole financial burden on the United States.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Funding Requirements: Section 3(d)(2) requires the Secretary to determine the amount of funding necessary to carry out the Initiative, which could lead to new government expenditures.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill explicitly bolsters defense cooperation with Abraham Accords countries. Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — It fosters strategic partnerships between the US, Israel, and Arab/Muslim-majority nations. Does this put more money into stopping terrorism? — The initiative aims to deter aggression from Iran and its proxies. Does this send more money or help to other countries? — The bill increases defense cooperation and potential technical assistance to partner countries. Does this reduce what is spent on the military? — The bill establishes a new defense initiative that will require funding.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires the Secretary to submit a strategy and funding report to Congress. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill mandates the Secretary of Defense to establish and report on a new national security initiative.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — Congress expresses a preference for participating countries to provide matching funds. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The establishment of a new defense initiative likely requires new budgetary allocations. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — The bill requires the Secretary to determine necessary funding, which may increase government spending.
- 6/15/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Daniel GoldmanDemocrat · New York
Craig GoldmanRepublican · Texas
Pat HarriganRepublican · North Carolina
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Bradley SchneiderDemocrat · Illinois
Claudia TenneyRepublican · New York