Washington, D.C. – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve security and military readiness between the United States and Abraham Accords nations. The Learning Integrated National Knowledge (LINK) Act would connect strategic, operational, and tactical senior commanders through an exchange program to foster greater integration and alignment. 

This legislation was introduced as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East due to the actions by Iran and Iranian-backed proxies.  Rodgers was joined in introducing the legislation by Reps. Zach Nunn (IA-03), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Ann Wagner (MO-02), David Trone (MD-06), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19).  Companion legislation has been introduced by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) in the Senate.

“Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel was an escalation that threatens to plunge the entire Middle East into chaos. Now more than ever, we need to strengthen military coordination and defense planning between Abraham Accords countries to safeguard against these increasingly aggressive attacks by Iran and its terrorist proxies,” said Rodgers.  “The LINK Act is a critical bipartisan effort to ensure military experts are in place to protect the diplomatic and economic relationships we’ve worked so hard to promote, while showing the world that we unequivocally stand with Israel.”

Iran and its proxy forces, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, continue to conduct terrorist operations across the Middle East, from firing missiles within Lebanon, to attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Through the establishment of a subject matter expert exchange program, American senior military officials will be able to bolster capabilities and deepen cooperation to enable the U.S. and its allies to respond to continuing and unforeseen aggression more effectively.

“The increasingly aggressive actions by Iran and its terrorist proxies threaten the stability, security, and economy of the broader Middle East,” said Panetta. “A military expert exchange program between Abraham Accords countries will ensure leaders are coordinating an integrated response to counter these malign activities in the region. These partnerships are vital to our efforts to further strengthen the diplomatic, defense, and economic relationships between the United States, Israel, and our Arab partners.”

“The Iranian Regime and its proxies cannot be left unchecked,” said Nunn. “As Israel continues to withstand attacks from Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah, now is the time to bring together the best and brightest military minds within the Abraham Accords. This partnership will bring a more secure and peaceful Middle East.”

“The combined efforts last week by Israel, the United States, and other allies to intercept nearly 200 Iranian ballistic missiles before they could cause unimaginable destruction demonstrates the importance of strengthening the coordination between CENTCOM and our allies,” said Schneider.  “As Iran and its proxies—including Hezbollah and the Houthis—continue to escalate threats to Israel, and the entire Middle East, it is critical that our partners have access to experienced military experts who can offer sound guidance during these escalations.  Through the LINK Act, we are strengthening our ties with Abraham Accords nations, ensuring both Israel and our Arab allies have the expert support needed to address these evolving threats and maintain regional security.”

“Iran’s unprecedented missile attack on Israel on October 1 shows the Ayatollah is bent on Israel’s destruction and is willing to drag the region into war to accomplish its violent agenda,” said Wagner.  “As Iran continues to attack Israel directly and through its proxies, regional security cooperation remains vital to stability in the Middle East—and the defense of American allies against aggression. My work with colleagues in the Abraham Accords Caucus has shown me how important it is to have our experts work closely with our partners and allies in the region to develop sound strategies and tackle threats together.  The ongoing instability and fighting in the region demand a more effective path forward to address threats from dictatorial governments and terrorists and ensure the safety of our own citizens at home and abroad.  This bill will ensure our partners in the Middle East support one another as we work towards that goal.”

“Now more than ever, leaders in the Middle East and around the world must work together against growing threats, including Iran,” said Trone.  “With that goal in mind, it is imperative that we continue to share vital resources and encourage international cooperation to better equip our intelligence and military operations. With the LINK Act, we’re doing just that.”

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