,,ii #aahth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #bdac ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,july #bj1 #bjbc ,mr4 ,menendez 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,risch1 ,ms4 ,rosen1 ,ms4 ,ernst1 ,mr4 ,booker1 and ,mr4 ,lankford7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations ,a ,,bill ,to expand and strengthen the ,abraham ,accords and the ,negev ,forum1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,regional ,integration and ,normalization ,act of #bjbc or ,,rina4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #c4 ,findings4 ,sec4 #d4 ,sense of ,congress4 ,sec4 #e4 ,statement of policy4 ,sec4 #f4 ,united ,states ,special ,presidential ,envoy for the ,abraham ,accords1 ,negev ,forum1 and ,related ,normalization ,agreements4 ,sec4 #g4 ,enhanced reporting requirements under the ,israel ,relations ,normalization ,act4 ,sec4 #h4 ,abraham ,accords1 ,negev ,forum1 and ,regional ,integration ,opportunity ,fund4 ,sec4 #i4 ,united ,states1 ,abraham ,accords1 and ,negev ,forum economic partnership4 ,sec4 #aj4 ,supporting regional integration through multilaterals1 scientific collaboration1 and interfaith initiatives4 ,sec4 #aa4 ,supporting regional integration through a young ,middle ,east leaders initiative program4 ,sec4 #ab4 ,supporting regional integration through educational exchange and people-to-people engagement4 ,sec4 #ac4 ,strengthening and expanding the ,abraham ,accords and ,negev ,forum through industrial and scientific research and development4 ,sec4 #ad4 ,binational ,agricultural ,research and ,development ,fund4 ,sec4 #ae4 ,joint cybersecurity training activities and information sharing4 ,sec4 #af4 ,leveraging ,united ,states economic toolkit to support regional integration and normalization efforts4 ,sec4 #ag4 ,cooperative projects among the ,united ,states1 ,israel1 and ,abraham ,accords countries and ,negev ,forum countries4 ,sec4 #ah4 ,supporting structures that expand cooperation across regions in key areas4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,abraham ,accords ,the term ,abraham ,accords means-- 7,a7 the ,abraham ,accords ,declaration1 done at ,washington ,september #ae1 #bjbj2 7,b7 the ,abraham ,accords ,peace ,agreement3 ,treaty of ,peace1 ,diplomatic ,relations and ,full ,normalization ,between the ,united ,arab ,emirates and ,israel1 done at ,washington ,september #ae1 #bjbj2 7,c7 the ,abraham ,accords3 ,declaration of ,peace1 ,cooperation1 and ,constructive ,diplomatic and ,friendly ,relations1 done at ,washington ,september #ae1 #bjbj1 between ,israel and the ,kingdom of ,bahrain2 and 7,d7 the ,joint ,declaration of the ,kingdom of ,morocco1 the ,united ,states1 and ,israel1 done at ,rabat ,december #bb1 #bjbj4 7#b7 ,abraham ,accords country ,the term ,abraham ,accords country means a country that is a party to the ,abraham ,accords4 7#c7 ,appropriate congressional committees ,the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#d7 ,expand ,the term expand1 with respect to the ,abraham ,accords1 means to increase the number of regional1 ,arab1 or ,muslim-majority countries that seek to normalize relations with the ,state of ,israel4 7#e7 ,fund ,the term ,fund means the ,abraham ,accords and ,negev ,forum ,opportunity ,fund established under section #h4 7#f7 ,key partners in regional integration ,the term key partners in regional integration means-- 7,a7 any ,abraham ,accords country2 7,b7 ,egypt2 7,c7 ,jordan2 7,d7 the ,kingdom of ,saudi ,arabia2 and 7,e7 any other active and constructive country that supports cooperation-- 7i7 to normalize relations between countries in the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa and ,israel2 and 7ii7 to advance regional integration4 7#g7 ,negev ,forum ,the term ,negev ,forum means the regional grouping known as the ,negev ,forum ,regional ,cooperation ,framework that was adopted on ,november #aj1 #bjbb1 or any successor group4 7#h7 ,negev ,forum country ,the term ,negev ,forum country means the government of any of the following countries3 7,a7 ,bahrain4 7,b7 ,egypt4 7,c7 ,israel4 7,d7 ,morocco4 7,e7 ,the ,united ,arab ,emirates4 7,f7 ,the ,united ,states4 7,g7 ,any country that joins the ,negev ,forum as a full member after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#i7 ,observer ,the term observer-- 7,a7 means any country1 particularly inside the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa region1 or political entity that-- 7i7 directly supports the objectives and processes of the ,negev ,forum2 7ii7 expresses serious interest in participating in certain projects determined by the ,negev ,forum that benefit normalization with ,israel and greater regional integration2 and 7iii7 is not an official member of the ,negev ,forum ,steering ,committee or any working group of the ,negev ,forum2 and 7,b7 includes #ca format members ,cyprus and ,greece4 7#aj7 ,other regional actors ,the term other regional actors means the ,palestinian ,authority or a credible future political entity that serves as the interlocutor for the ,palestinian people4 7#aa7 ,special ,envoy ,the term ,special ,envoy means the ,special ,presidential ,envoy for the ,abraham ,accords1 ,negev ,forum1 and ,related ,normalization ,agreements established under section #f4 7#ab7 ,strengthen ,the term strengthen1 with respect to the ,abraham ,accords and the ,negev ,forum1 means to engage in efforts that improve the diplomatic relations between ,abraham ,accords countries and broaden the breadth and scope of issues on which ,abraham ,accords countries cooperate4 #c4 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,on ,march #bf1 #aigi1 ,egypt signed a peace treaty with ,israel1 becoming the first ,arab country to establish full1 normalized1 diplomatic relations with ,israel4 7#b7 ,on ,october #bf1 #aiid1 ,jordan signed a peace treaty with ,israel1 becoming the second ,arab country to normalize ties with ,israel4 7#c7 ,on ,march #bg1 #bjjb1 the ,arab ,league unanimously endorsed the ,arab ,peace ,initiative1 which offered the possibility of normalized relations between the ,arab ,league and ,israel for the first time4 7#d7 ,on ,september #ae1 #bjbj1 the governments of the ,united ,arab ,emirates and ,bahrain signed bilateral agreements1 known collectively as the ,abraham ,accords1 to normalize relations with ,israel4 7#e7 ,sudan and ,morocco agreed to normalize ties with ,israel on ,october #bc1 #bjbj1 and ,december #aj1 #bjbj1 respectively4 7#f7 ,collectively1 such agreements marked the first normalizations of diplomatic relations with ,israel since the normalizations between ,israel and ,jordan in #aiid and ,israel and ,egypt in #aigi4 7#g7 ,in ,march #bjbb1 the foreign ministers of ,bahrain1 ,egypt1 ,israel1 ,morocco1 the ,united ,arab ,emirates1 and the ,united ,states convened in ,sde ,boker1 ,israel1 for the first ,negev ,summit and agreed to form a framework that-- 7,a7 multilateralizes regional cooperation that centers on countries that have normalized relations with ,israel2 and 7,b7 is inclusive of other countries and interested parties4 7#h7 ,in ,january #bjbc1 in ,abu ,dhabi1 ,united ,arab ,emirates1 senior officials of the ,negev ,forum countries held the inaugural meeting of the ,negev ,forum working groups1 which are the following3 7,a7 ,regional ,security4 7,b7 ,education4 7,c7 ,food and ,water ,security4 7,d7 ,energy4 7,e7 ,tourism4 7,f7 ,healthcare4 7#i7 ,overall trade between ,israel and ,abraham ,accords countries increased from #eic1jjj1jjj to #c1dgj1jjj1jjj between #bjai and #bjbb1 according to the ,israeli ,census ,bureau4 7#aj7 ,on ,may #bi1 #bjbb1 ,egypt and ,israel agreed to jointly upgrade the ,nitzana ,border ,crossing to promote trade relations with ,egypt and create quality employment in the south1 alongside activity by ,israeli companies in the ,egyptian market and to boost annual bilateral trade to #gjj1jjj1jjj by #bjbe4 7#aa7 ,on ,june #ai1 #bjbb1 an ,egyptian trade delegation and members of the ,federation of ,egyptian ,industries visited ,israel for the first time in a decade4 7#ab7 ,on ,may #ca1 #bjbb1 the ,united ,arab ,emirates and ,israel signed the ,comprehensive ,economic ,partnership ,agreement between the ,government of the ,united ,arab ,emirates and the ,government of the ,state of ,israel1 entered into force ,april #a1 #bjbc 7commonly known as the ,,uae-,israel ,,cepa71 abolishing customs duties on #if percent of the products exchanged between the two countries1 including food1 agricultural goods1 cosmetics1 medical equipment1 and medicine4 7#ac7 ,on ,december #aa1 #bjbb1 the governments of the ,united ,arab ,emirates and ,israel ratified the ,,uae-,israel ,,cepa4 7#ad7 ,tourism in the ,middle ,east has increased since the ,abraham ,accords were signed4 7#ae7 ,in #bjbb1 at least #cej1jjj ,israelis traveled to the ,united ,arab ,emirates1 ,morocco1 and ,bahrain4 7#af7 ,the ,abrahamic ,family ,house1 an interfaith complex to promote the values of human solidarity1 mutual respect1 and peaceful coexistence1 was officially inaugurated and opened to worshippers on ,february #af1 #bjbc1 in ,abu ,dhabi1 ,united ,arab ,emirates4 7#ag7 ,joint water security and clean energy projects between ,negev ,forum countries have deepened as a result of normalization4 7#ah7 ,on ,november #h1 #bjbb1 ,jordan1 ,israel1 and the ,united ,arab ,emirates signed a memorandum of understanding with respect to ,project ,prosperity1 a project to build a #fjj-megawatt solar farm in ,jordan and a water desalination plant in ,israel to export #cjj1jjj1jjj cubic meters of desalinated water to ,jordan annually4 7#ai7 ,on ,november #ag1 #bjbb1 ,morocco and ,israel signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on drinking water and liquid sanitation4 7#bj7 ,research and innovation collaboration have increased between ,negev ,forum countries in aviation1 technology1 and healthcare4 7#ba7 ,on ,july #d1 #bjba1 ,emirati and ,israeli medical institutions partnered to create a digital health platform for remote patient management in ,dubai4 7#bb7 ,on ,march #bc1 #bjbb1 ,morocco and ,israel signed an agreement to cooperate on civilian aerospace projects4 7#bc7 ,on ,june #bd1 #bjbb1 the ,minister of ,interior of ,israel launched a pilot program to attract ,moroccan workers to construction1 programming1 and nursing sectors in ,israel4 7#bd7 ,on ,september #ad1 #bjbb1 ,abdelmalek ,essaddi ,university in ,morocco and the ,university of ,haifa in ,israel signed a memorandum of understanding to advance cooperation in marine research and technologies4 7#be7 ,educational and cultural ties have deepened between ,negev ,forum countries through university programs1 media1 and community activism4 7#bf7 ,on ,november #ah1 #bjba1 the ,united ,arab ,emirates and ,israel signed a memorandum of understanding with respect to educational affairs1 promoting exchanges between academics and students4 7#bg7 ,on ,january #aa1 #bjbb1 the ,association of ,gulf ,jewish ,communities launched a fundraising campaign to restore a #ajj-year-old ,jewish cemetery in ,bahrain4 7#bh7 ,on ,march #ca1 #bjbb1 the ,technion-,israel ,institute of ,technology and ,mohammed ,,vi ,polytechnic ,university in ,morocco signed a document of academic cooperation4 7#bi7 ,on ,may #ca1 #bjbb1 i#bd,,news became the first ,israeli news network to open bureaus in ,morocco4 7#cj7 ,in ,december #bjbb1 a delegation of ,israeli influencers1 comprised of prominent ,jewish and ,arab content creators in the fields of music1 sports1 fashion1 science1 and comedy1 visited ,morocco on a trip organized by the ,ministry of ,foreign ,affairs of ,israel4 7#ca7 ,on ,january #i1 #bjbc1 the ,united ,arab ,emirates announced it would include ,holocaust education in the curriculum for primary and secondary schools4 #d4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 advanced levels of economic and cultural integration in a region correlate with greater stability1 faster rates of economic growth1 higher levels of economic competitiveness1 and overall improved prosperity for the people living in such a region2 7#b7 deeper cooperation and regional integration among ,abraham ,accords countries1 ,negev ,forum countries1 observers1 other key partners in regional integration1 and other regional actors is fundamental to the long-term stability1 prosperity1 competitiveness1 and success of the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa2 7#c7 promoting regional integration in the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa and formal normalization between ,israel1 neighboring ,arab countries1 and non-,arab countries outside of the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa1 is in the strategic interest of the ,united ,states1 and should be a key pillar of ,united ,states foreign policy2 7#d7 regional integration in the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa should remain an open and inclusive process with opportunities for participants beyond only those countries with formal normalization2 7#e7 civil society engagement and people-to-people connections are critical to successful and sustainable regional integration among ,abraham ,accords countries1 ,negev ,forum countries1 observers1 other key partners in regional integration1 and other regional actors2 7#f7 the ,negev ,forum1 any successor group1 and other regional integration initiatives would benefit from constructive and positive participation by the ,palestinian ,authority1 or a credible1 future political entity that serves as the interlocutor for the ,palestinian people1 while also strengthening the ,palestinian economy and improving the quality of life for ,palestinian people through ,united ,states support in compliance with the ,taylor ,force ,act 7,title ,x of division ,s of ,public ,law #aae-ada7 and other applicable ,federal laws2 7#g7 constructive ,palestinian participation in the ,negev ,forum1 or a successor group1 should remain a priority for current and future structures1 as inclusivity will build stronger support for normalization with ,israel and create momentum towards a comprehensive and sustainable peace2 and 7#h7 efforts to deepen and expand the ,abraham ,accords1 the ,negev ,forum1 and future regional organizations can reduce the likelihood of conflict1 improve ties between ,israel and neighboring countries1 and advance the goal of achieving lasting peace in the ,middle ,east1 which serves the longstanding goal of ,united ,states policy which has been to support a comprehensive and sustainable peace that includes mutual recognition1 dignity1 and peaceful neighborly relations between ,israelis and ,palestinians towards two states for two peoples4 #e4 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 to strengthen and expand the ,abraham ,accords and the ,negev ,forum within the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa and beyond2 7#b7 to institutionalize regional integration as a key pillar of policies of the ,united ,states with respect to the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa2 7#c7 to maintain the leadership of and facilitation by the ,united ,states with respect to integration efforts in the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa2 7#d7 to facilitate efforts to normalize relations formally between ,israel and neighboring ,arab and ,muslim-majority countries to achieve shared regional integration1 cooperation1 and development objectives1 consistent with the national security1 economic1 and development interests of the ,united ,states2 7#e7 to engage in active diplomacy to expand the number of participants in formal normalization frameworks1 as well as in non-formal integration structures in the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa2 7#f7 to strengthen collective security by continuing and expanding efforts on regional defense cooperation1 as required by strategic interests of the ,united ,states2 7#g7 to develop and implement an integrated regional security strategy in the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa that-- 7,a7 recognizes the shared threat posed by the ,islamic ,republic of ,iran and its proxies and violent extremism and terrorism2 7,b7 ensures sufficient ,united ,states deterrence in the region2 7,c7 builds partner capacity to address shared threats2 and 7,d7 reinforces the importance of multilateral security arrangements2 7#h7 to encourage deeper trade1 business1 commercial1 and investment relationships between ,negev ,forum countries1 observers1 and key partners in regional integration1 in line with the economic and development interests of the people of the ,united ,states and ,united ,states partners and allies in the region2 7#i7 to support the work of the ,negev ,forum and the ,negev ,forum working groups on food security and water technology1 energy1 tourism1 healthcare1 education and coexistence1 and regional security2 7#aj7 to expand the ,negev ,forum working groups as necessary and appropriate1 including by modifying the framework as future needs and opportunities arise2 7#aa7 to support integration initiatives in the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa that strengthen the ,palestinian economy and improve the quality of life for ,palestinians2 7#ab7 to urge ,negev ,forum countries and ,abraham ,accords countries to oppose efforts to isolate1 delegitimize1 or diplomatically boycott ,israel in international or regional bodies1 including the ,united ,nations ,general ,assembly1 ,united ,nations ,security ,council1 ,united ,nations ,human ,rights ,council1 and other entities of the ,united ,nations2 7#ac7 to foster religious freedom1 coexistence1 and tolerance throughout the ,middle ,east through interfaith and intercultural dialogue between ,israel and ,arab and ,muslim-majority countries2 and 7#ad7 to develop a comprehensive interagency effort to support the policy described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#ac74 #f4 ,united ,states ,special ,presidential ,envoy for the ,abraham ,accords1 ,negev ,forum1 and ,related ,normalization ,agreements 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established within the ,department of ,state the ,office of the ,special ,presidential ,envoy for the ,abraham ,accords1 ,negev ,forum1 and ,related ,integration and ,normalization ,fora and ,agreements 7referred to in this section as the ,regional ,integration ,office74 7b7 ,leadership 7#a7 ,special ,envoy ,the ,regional ,integration ,office shall be headed by the ,special ,presidential ,envoy for the ,abraham ,accords1 ,negev ,forum1 and ,related ,normalization ,agreements1 who shall-- 7,a7 be appointed by the ,president1 by and with the advice and consent of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 report directly to the ,secretary of ,state4 7#b7 ,rank ,the ,special ,envoy shall have the rank and status of ambassador4 7c7 ,limitation ,the ,special ,envoy shall not be a dual-hatted official with other responsibilities within the ,department of ,state or the executive branch4 7d7 ,duties and responsibilities ,the ,special ,envoy shall-- 7#a7 lead diplomatic engagement-- 7,a7 to strengthen and expand the ,negev ,forum1 the ,abraham ,accords1 and related normalization agreements with ,israel1 including promoting initiatives that benefit the people of key partners in regional integration or other regional actors in order to encourage such expansion2 and 7,b7 to support the work of regional integration2 7#b7 implement the policy of the ,united ,states to expand normalization and support greater regional integration-- 7,a7 within the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa2 and 7,b7 between the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa and other key regions1 including sub-,saharan ,africa1 the ,indo-,pacific region1 and beyond2 7#c7 work to deliver tangible economic and security benefits for the citizens of ,abraham ,accords countries1 ,negev ,forum countries1 and countries that are members of other related normalization agreements2 7#d7 serve as the ministerial liaison for the ,united ,states to the ,negev ,forum1 and other emerging normalization and integration fora1 as necessary1 and provide senior representation at events1 steering committee meetings1 and other relevant diplomatic engagements relating to the ,negev ,forum or other regional integration bodies2 7#e7 coordinate all cross-agency engagements and strategies in support of normalization efforts with other relevant officials and agencies2 7#f7 ensure that the appropriate congressional committees are regularly informed about the work of the ,regional ,integration ,office2 7#g7 initiate and advance negotiations on a framework for an economic and security partnership with the ,negev ,forum countries1 other key partners in regional integration1 and other regional actors2 and 7#h7 oppose efforts to delegitimize ,israel and legal barriers to normalization with ,israel4 7e7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that whole-of-government resources should be harnessed to ensure the successful performance by the ,special ,envoy of the duties described in subsection 7d74 7f7 ,report required ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 the ,special ,envoy shall submit to the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on actions taken by all relevant ,federal agencies-- 7#a7 to strengthen and expand the ,abraham ,accords and the work of the ,negev ,forum and future structures and organizations2 and 7#b7 towards the objectives of regional integration4 7g7 ,termination ,this section shall terminate on the date that is #f years after date of the enactment of this ,act4 7h7 ,rule of construction ,if1 on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 an individual has already been designated1 consistent with the requirements and responsibilities described in subsections 7b71 7c71 and 7d7 and section #a of the ,state ,department ,basic ,authorities ,act of #aief 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #bfea;a71 the requirements under subsection 7b7 shall be considered to be satisfied with respect to such individual until the date on which such individual no longer serves as the ,special ,envoy4 #g4 ,enhanced reporting requirements under the ,israel ,relations ,normalization ,act ,section #aje7;b7 of the ,israel ,relations ,normalization ,act 7division ,z of ,public ,law #aag-ajc2 #acf ,stat4 #ajfa7 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs3 7#ab7 ,an assessment of ongoing and future ,united ,states ,government efforts to support the ,negev ,forum and its component working groups4 7#ac7 ,an assessment of ongoing and future ,united ,states ,government efforts to encourage ,israel and key partners in regional integration to-- 7,a7 use efficient and innovative energy technologies2 7,b7 ensure equitable access to quality and relevant education and healthcare2 7,c7 foster cooperation between ,israel1 ,abraham ,accords countries1 ,negev ,forum countries1 and other key partners in regional integration in the fields of maritime security and integration1 and integrated air and missile defense2 7,d7 develop and harness technologies to mitigate food and water insecurity2 and 7,e7 foster equal measures of freedom1 security1 prosperity1 and stability for all citizens of the region4 7#ad7 ,recommendations on how to support economic conditions that promote commercial engagement1 innovation1 competitiveness1 new businesses1 inclusive economic growth1 and the education of future innovators1 entrepreneurs1 and business leaders in the region4 7#ae7 ,an assessment of the policy and regulatory environment for tourism1 trade1 innovation1 and investment in ,negev ,forum countries and recommendations on how to improve regional integration for such sectors4 7#af7 ,recommendations on how to forge partnerships with non-,negev ,forum states1 observers1 and other key partners in regional integration that share the vision of the ,negev ,forum for regional integration4 7#ag7 ,a detailed description of efforts to normalize relations between ,israel and ,saudi ,arabia and associated impacts on the region1 including regional security1 ,arab-,israeli dynamics1 trade1 and development4 7#ah7 ,an assessment of the structure1 frequency of meeting1 and format of working groups of the ,negev ,forum and recommendations to maximize economic and security benefits for ,abraham ,accords countries and ,negev ,forum countries4 4 #h4 ,abraham ,accords1 ,negev ,forum1 and ,regional ,integration ,opportunity ,fund 7a7 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 to advance regional economic integration and provide tangible economic benefits to ,abraham ,accords countries and ,negev ,forum countries2 7#b7 to promote the economic security of allies and partners of the ,united ,states by encouraging the development of accessible1 transparent1 and competitive markets2 and 7#c7 to encourage public and private sector investment in projects in ,abraham ,accords countries1 ,negev ,forum countries1 and other key partner countries to expand inclusive economic development in a way that is consistent with the absorptive capacity of the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa4 7b7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,treasury of the ,united ,states a fund to be known as the ,abraham ,accords1 ,negev ,forum1 and ,regional ,integration ,opportunity ,fund1 which shall consist of amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under subsection 7d74 7c7 ,use of funds ,the ,secretary of ,state and the ,special ,envoy1 in consultation with other relevant ,federal agencies1 shall administer the ,fund to advance regional economic integration and provide tangible security and economic benefits to ,abraham ,accords countries and ,negev ,forum countries4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,department of the ,treasury #aje1jjj1jjj for fiscal years #bjbd through #bjcj4 7e7 ,transfer ,authority ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,special ,envoy1 may transfer any amount of the funds authorized under subsection 7d7 to any account of the ,department of ,state or any other ,federal agency to effectively implement the policy described in subsection 7a74 7f7 ,congressional notification ,none of the funds authorized under subsection 7d7 may be obligated or expended under this section until the ,secretary of ,state notifies the appropriate congressional committees and the ,committee on ,appropriations of each ,house of the ,congress of the amount and nature of the proposed obligation or expenditure not fewer than #ae days in advance of the date of the proposed obligation or expenditure1 in accordance with the procedures applicable to notifications regarding reprogrammings pursuant to #fcd;,a of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #bcid-a74 7g7 ,strategy 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,special ,envoy1 in consultation with other relevant ,federal agencies as determined by the ,special ,envoy1 shall develop and submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy that includes the following elements3 7,a7 ,an estimate of the spend rate of the ,fund for fiscal years #bjbd through #bjcj4 7,b7 ,an estimate of the amounts to be transferred from the ,treasury to other ,federal agencies in the first #c years of the ,fund4 7,c7 ,an analysis of how the ,fund can be used to strengthen and expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation between ,israel1 ,abraham ,accords countries1 ,negev ,forum countries1 and key partners in regional integration4 7#b7 ,form ,the strategy required by paragraph 7#a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may include a classified annex4 7h7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter for the next #f years1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the relevant ,federal agencies1 shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the activities and use of funds under this section1 including any amounts transferred to other ,federal agencies from the ,treasury4 7#b7 ,form ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may include a classified annex4 #i4 ,united ,states1 ,abraham ,accords1 and ,negev ,forum economic partnership ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,united ,states should seek to develop and negotiate a comprehensive framework for economic engagement with ,abraham ,accords countries1 ,negev ,forum countries1 and key partners in regional integration to deepen regulatory alignment1 expand regional economic growth1 attract investment1 increase competitiveness1 and strengthen and secure supply chains2 7#b7 the ,special ,envoy should initiate negotiations with ,abraham ,accords countries and ,negev ,forum countries1 observers1 and key partners in regional integration on an economic framework that includes-- 7,a7 improving supply chain security and resiliency2 7,b7 aligning common regulatory and financial standards2 7,c7 attracting foreign investment2 7,d7 diversification of energy resources1 including renewable sources of energy1 and the development and deployment of emerging and advanced technologies that promote energy security2 and 7,e7 digital economy1 cybersecurity1 and cross-border data flow2 7#c7 the ,special ,envoy1 in consultation with all other relevant ,federal agencies1 should lead interagency efforts to reach an international agreement on the comprehensive economic framework described by paragraph 7#b72 and 7#d7 the ,special ,envoy should endeavor to embed already established standards on countering money laundering and terrorist financing into the regional economic framework described by paragraph 7#b74 #aj4 ,supporting regional integration through multilaterals1 scientific collaboration1 and interfaith initiatives 7a7 ,department of ,state programs ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,state #b1ejj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbd through #bjbh1 of which-- 7#a7 #ejj1jjj shall be made available in the ,fund to provide support for expanding participation by ,negev ,forum countries in the ,middle ,east ,desalination ,research ,center2 7#b7 #a1jjj1jjj shall be made available for the ,middle ,east ,multilaterals program of the ,department of ,state to provide support for the work of the ,negev ,forum and its corresponding working groups2 and 7#c7 #a1jjj1jjj shall be made available for interfaith dialogue programming between ,abraham ,accords countries1 ,negev ,forum countries1 observers1 other regional actors1 and key partners in regional integration1 and the ,united ,states for the purpose of fostering mutual trust1 reducing harmful perceptions1 and promoting sustainable peace and cooperation in the region1 through projects that-- 7,a7 support programming centered on coexistence and interfaith education2 and 7,b7 seek to restore and preserve ,jewish sites in ,arab countries both in and outside the ,abraham ,accords and ,negev ,forum4 7b7 ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development programs 7#a7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development #f1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbd1 for the ,middle ,east ,regional ,cooperation 7,,merc7 program4 7#b7 ,prioritization ,the ,administrator shall prioritize the awarding of funding authorized under paragraph 7#a7 for proposals submitted by ,abraham ,accords countries1 ,negev ,forum countries1 other regional actors1 or key partners in regional integration that support ,negev ,forum objectives4 7c7 ,burden sharing ,assistance agreements entered into by the ,secretary of ,state or the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development under this section shall include provisions to promote domestic resource mobilization and cost-sharing1 as determined necessary and appropriate by the ,secretary or the ,administrator1 as the case may be4 7d7 ,international religious freedom report ,in the ,annual ,report on ,international ,religious ,freedom submitted by the ,secretary of ,state in accordance with section #ajb7;b7 of the ,international ,religious ,freedom ,act of #aiih 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #fdab7;b771 the ,secretary of ,state shall1 for each ,abraham ,accords country and ,negev ,forum country1 include information on progress and challenges relating to the ,negev ,working ,group on ,education and ,tolerance and advancing religious tolerance and interfaith understanding among and within the ,abraham ,accords countries4 7e7 ,report on funding ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit to the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the use of the funds appropriated in accordance with subsection 7a71 which shall include-- 7#a7 a description of any programs funded2 and 7#b7 a list of countries in which such programs were executed to support the purposes described by subsection 7a77#c74 #aa4 ,supporting regional integration through a young ,middle ,east leaders initiative program 7a7 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 to provide educational and professional opportunities to ,middle ,eastern youth through scholarships1 leadership programs1 and cultural exchanges that create and sustain mutual understanding with other countries and cultivate people-to-people ties2 and 7#b7 to support the long-term prosperity and stability of ,negev ,forum countries1 key partners in regional integration1 and other regional actors by improving educational and professional opportunities for young people in the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa and to promote youth participation in civil society1 governance1 and politics4 7b7 ,in general ,there is established in the ,department of ,state the ,young ,middle ,east ,leaders ,initiative 7referred to in this section as the ,,ymeli program74 7c7 ,administration ,the ,,ymeli program shall be jointly administered by the ,bureau of ,educational and ,cultural ,affairs and ,bureau of ,near ,eastern ,affairs4 7d7 ,purpose ,the ,,ymeli program shall seek to build the capacity of young leaders in ,negev ,forum countries1 key partners in regional integration1 and other regional actors to address issues in the areas of energy diversification1 education and coexistence1 business development and investment promotion1 food and water security1 health1 regional security1 and tourism1 including through efforts-- 7#a7 to support young leaders by offering professional development1 training1 and networking opportunities to increase the educational capacity of youth in the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa in such areas2 and 7#b7 to provide increased economic and technical assistance to young leaders in ,negev ,forum countries1 key partners in regional integration1 and other regional actors to promote economic growth and strengthen ties between the ,united ,states and such groups4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated #b1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbd through #bjbh to support the creation of the ,,ymeli program and other people-to-people exchange programs4 7f7 ,fellowships ,the ,,ymeli program shall award fellowships through the ,youth ,exchange and ,study 7,,yes7 program to eligible young leaders4 7g7 ,regional leadership centers ,the ,,ymeli program may establish regional leadership centers in ,negev ,forum countries and key partners in regional integration to offer training to eligible young leaders4 7h7 ,activities 7#a7 ,united ,states-based activities ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development and the heads of other relevant ,federal agencies1 shall oversee all ,united ,states-based activities carried out under the ,,ymeli program4 7#b7 ,,mena-based activities ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development and the heads of other relevant ,federal agencies1 shall support activities carried out under the ,,ymeli program in ,negev ,forum countries1 key partners in regional integration1 and other regional actors1 including by providing-- 7,a7 access to continued leadership training and other professional development opportunities1 including online courses1 technical assistance1 and access to funding1 for alumni of the ,,ymeli program upon the return of such alumni to their home countries2 7,b7 training to eligible young leaders at regional leadership centers established in accordance with subsection 7g7 and through online and in-person courses offered by such centers2 and 7,c7 opportunities for networking and engagement with-- 7i7 alumni of the ,,ymeli program at regional leadership centers established in accordance with subsection 7g72 and 7ii7 ,united ,states organizations1 business leaders1 and others1 as appropriate4 7i7 ,implementation ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development and the heads of other relevant ,federal agencies1 shall seek to partner with the private sector to pursue public-private partnerships1 leverage private sector expertise1 expand networking opportunities1 and identify funding opportunities and fellowship and employment opportunities for participants in the ,,ymeli program4 7j7 ,implementation plan ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development and the heads of other relevant ,federal agencies1 shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a plan for implementing the ,,ymeli program1 which shall include-- 7#a7 a description of clearly defined program goals1 targets1 and planned outcomes for each year and for the duration of the ,,ymeli program2 7#b7 a strategy to monitor and evaluate the ,,ymeli program and progress made toward achieving such goals1 targets1 and planned outcomes2 and 7#c7 a strategy to ensure that the ,,ymeli program is promoting ,united ,states foreign policy goals in the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa1 including ensuring that the ,,ymeli program is clearly branded and paired with robust public diplomacy efforts4 7k7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter for the next #e years1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes-- 7,a7 a description of the progress made toward achieving the goals1 targets1 and planned outcomes described in subsection 7j77#a71 including an overview of the implementation of the ,,yemli program during the previous year and an estimated number of ,,ymeli program beneficiaries during such year2 7,b7 an assessment of how the ,,ymeli program is contributing to and promoting relations between the ,united ,states and ,negev ,forum countries1 particularly in areas of increased private sector investment1 trade promotion1 support to civil society1 improved public administration1 and fostering entrepreneurship and youth empowerment2 and 7,c7 recommendations for improvements or changes to the ,,ymeli program1 if any1 that would improve the ongoing effectiveness of the ,,ymeli program4 7#b7 ,publication ,the ,secretary of ,state shall publish the report submitted pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 on a publicly accessible website of the ,department of ,state4 7l7 ,eligible young leader defined ,in this section1 the term eligible young leader means an individual who-- 7#a7 is between #ah and #ce years of age2 7#b7 has demonstrated strong capabilities in entrepreneurship1 innovation1 public service1 and leadership2 and 7#c7 has positively impacted a community1 organization1 or institution4 #ab4 ,supporting regional integration through educational exchange and people-to-people engagement 7a7 ,educational exchange ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,department of ,state for the ,middle ,east ,partnership ,initiative #a1jjj1jjj for fiscal years #bjbd through #bjbh to support educational and cultural exchange programs to allow-- 7#a7 ,israeli students to study in ,abraham ,accords countries1 ,negev ,forum countries1 and key partners in regional integration that maintain relations with ,israel2 and 7#b7 students from such countries that maintain relations with ,israel to study in ,israel4 7b7 ,people-to-,people and civil society engagement ,the ,middle ,east ,partnership ,initiative may support grants and projects that seek to build better cooperation and understanding to foster the exchange of ideas among ,israelis1 ,palestinians1 and other citizens from ,abraham ,accords countries1 ,negev ,forum countries1 key partners in regional integration1 and other regional actors4 7c7 ,burden sharing ,assistance agreements entered into by the ,secretary of ,state under this section may include provisions to promote cost-sharing with partners1 as determined necessary and appropriate by the ,secretary1 as the case may be4 #ac4 ,strengthening and expanding the ,abraham ,accords and ,negev ,forum through industrial and scientific research and development 7a7 ,israel-,united ,states ,binational ,industrial ,research and ,development ,foundation ,to facilitate multilateral cooperation between the ,united ,states1 ,israel1 ,abraham ,accords countries1 and ,negev ,forum countries1 the ,israel-,united ,states ,binational ,industrial ,research and ,development ,foundation1 under the arrangement as entered into in #aigg1 may provide grants to initiatives that involve institutions from ,abraham ,accords countries and ,negev ,forum countries4 7b7 ,united ,states-,israel ,binational ,science ,foundation 7#a7 ,in general ,to facilitate multilateral cooperation between the ,united ,states1 ,israel1 and the ,abraham ,accords countries and ,negev ,forum countries1 the ,united ,states-,israel ,binational ,science ,foundation1 under the arrangement as entered into in #aigb1 may provide grants to initiatives that involve scientists and researchers from ,abraham ,accords countries and ,negev ,forum countries1 consistent with the national security1 economic1 and development interests of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,limitations ,the ,foundation may not provide grants for projects or initiatives that collaborate with or receive funding from entities located in a country of concern1 and shall not engage in life sciences research of dual-use concern4 7c7 ,country of concern defined ,in this section1 the term country of concern means any of the following3 7#a7 ,the ,people's ,republic of ,china4 7#b7 ,the ,russian ,federation4 7#c7 ,the ,islamic ,republic of ,iran4 7#d7 ,the ,democratic ,people's ,republic of ,korea4 7#e7 ,the ,republic of ,cuba4 7#f7 ,the ,syrian ,arab ,republic4 #ad4 ,binational ,agricultural ,research and ,development ,fund 7a7 ,section #adeh7;e7 of the ,national ,agricultural ,research1 ,extension1 and ,teaching ,policy ,act of #aigg 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cbia7;e77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking entered into and inserting as entered into in #aigg2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking 2 and and inserting a semicolon2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 when appropriate1 facilitate the involvement of ,abraham ,accords countries and ,negev ,forum countries 7as those terms are defined in the ,regional ,integration and ,normalization ,act of #bjbc7 in cooperative projects with the ,united ,states and ,israel that further economic cooperation among the countries involved in such projects1 consistent with the national security1 economic1 and development interests of the ,united ,states4 4 #ae4 ,joint cybersecurity training activities and information sharing 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,united ,states should-- 7#a7 build on the formal expansion of the ,abraham ,accords and other regional integration fora1 as appropriate1 into cybersecurity1 which was announced by the ,department of ,homeland ,security on ,february #b1 #bjbc2 and 7#b7 seek to increase collective cybersecurity and resilience1 address shared cybersecurity threats1 and promote normalization and regional integration efforts4 7b7 ,training activities ,the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 and other relevant ,federal agencies1 as appropriate1 may engage in joint cybersecurity training activities and other information-sharing activities relating to cybersecurity1 as appropriate1 with ,abraham ,accords countries1 ,negev ,forum counties1 and key partners in regional integration1 including by encouraging participation by such countries in the ,national ,cyber ,exercise ,program established under section #bbbj;,b of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #ffe;h74 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state and the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall jointly submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report that contains a description of any potential benefits and impacts to the ,united ,states of an annual tabletop cybersecurity exercise carried out in conjunction with ,abraham ,accords countries and ,negev ,forum countries4 7#b7 ,form ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex4 7d7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress defined ,in this section1 the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate2 and 7#b7 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives4 #af4 ,leveraging ,united ,states economic toolkit to support regional integration and normalization efforts 7a7 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states to promote regional integration and broader interconnectivity among the ,abraham ,accords countries1 ,negev ,forum countries1 observers1 key partners in regional integration1 and other regional actors by promoting and supporting targeted investment in regional infrastructure and other critical sectors that broaden and deepen interconnectivity1 increase economic growth and resilience1 create benefits for citizens of ,abraham ,accords countries and ,negev ,forum countries1 and advance the national security1 economic1 and development interests of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,strategy ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the heads of other relevant ,federal agencies1 shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an interagency strategy to use the economic tools of the ,federal ,government to promote regional integration through targeted investment as described in subsection 7a74 #ag4 ,cooperative projects among the ,united ,states1 ,israel1 and ,abraham ,accords countries and ,negev ,forum countries 7a7 ,in general ,section #ajf7;e7 of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baea;d7e77 is amended to read as follows3 7e7 ,there is authorized to be appropriated #d1jjj1jjj for fiscal years #bjbd through #bjbh to finance cooperative projects among the ,united ,states1 ,israel1 and ,abraham ,accords countries1 ,negev ,forum countries1 and key partners in regional integration 7as those terms are defined in the ,regional ,integration and ,normalization ,act of #bjbc7 that identify and support local solutions that address sustainability challenges relating to water resources1 agriculture1 and energy storage1 including for the following activities3 7#a7 ,establishing public-private partnerships4 7#b7 ,supporting the identification1 research1 development testing1 and scaling of innovations that focus on populations that are vulnerable to environmental and resource-scarcity crises1 such as subsistence farming communities4 7#c7 ,seed or transition-to-scale funding4 7#d7 ,clear and appropriate marking1 branding1 and marketing of ,united ,states-funded assistance4 7#e7 ,accelerating demonstration or application of local solutions to sustainability challenges1 or the further refinement1 testing1 or implementation of innovations that have previously effectively addressed sustainability challenges4 4 7b7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the feasibility and advisability of expanding to ,abraham ,accords countries1 ,negev ,forum countries1 and key partners in regional integration the projects described in section #ajf7;e7 of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baea;d7e771 as amended by subsection 7a71 including projects involving multilateral cooperation among the ,united ,states1 ,israel1 and ,negev ,forum countries1 observers1 and key partners in regional integration to promote development in ,africa4 7#b7 ,form ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex4 #ah4 ,supporting structures that expand cooperation across regions in key areas 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the ,united ,states has a strategic interest in fostering cross-regional cooperation and economic integration between partners in the ,indo-,pacific region and partners in the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa4 7#b7 ,consistent with the strategic interest described in paragraph 7#a71 the regional grouping known as the ,i#b,u#b comprising the governments of ,india1 ,israel1 the ,united ,arab ,emirates1 and the ,united ,states was formally established in ,october #bjba4 7#c7 ,the ,i#b,u#b aligns like-minded countries in the ,indo-,pacific region and the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa on key mutual areas of cooperation1 including water1 energy1 transportation1 space1 health1 and food security4 7#d7 ,the ,i#b,u#b complements other multilateral initiatives1 including the ,abraham ,accords and the ,negev ,forum1 by bringing together ,israel and regional partners to address regional challenges and advance economic integration4 7#e7 ,by convening #d major economies with advanced technology sectors1 the ,i#b,u#b provides a forum to increase cooperation on the development and deployment of advanced energy technologies and promote energy security4 7#f7 ,in ,may #bjbc1 senior officials from the ,united ,states1 the ,united ,arab ,emirates1 the ,kingdom of ,saudi ,arabia1 and ,india met in ,riyadh1 ,saudi ,arabia1 to discuss cross-regional infrastructure development1 rail transportation1 and connectivity4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,united ,states should-- 7,a7 build on the initiatives outlined at the inaugural ,i#b,u#b leaders' summit on ,july #ad1 #bjbb1 to address food security and energy security needs in ,north ,africa1 the ,middle ,east1 and ,south ,asia2 7,b7 work through the ,i#b,u#b framework to promote resilience in the ,indo-,pacific region to bolster energy security2 7,c7 encourage private sector investment and business-to-business cooperation through initiatives like the ,i#b,u#b ,business ,forum2 7,d7 encourage academic cooperation and exchanges among scholars working in ,india1 the ,united ,arab ,emirates1 and ,israel to develop advanced energy technologies2 and 7,e7 encourage further regional initiatives1 such as ,project ,prosperity1 to promote regional integration and resilience in the face of increasing water and energy shortages2 and 7#b7 the ,secretary of ,state should-- 7,a7 explore additional areas of cooperation between ,united ,states partners in the ,middle ,east and ,north ,africa and ,united ,states partners in the ,indo-,pacific region to broaden strategic alignment across a range of important security1 economic1 and other issues2 and 7,b7 consider expansion of the ,i#b,u#b to include other key partners in regional integration1 including ,saudi ,arabia4