WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Foreign Affairs Committee this week advanced the American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism & Maritime Security Partnership Act as part of the Department of State Policy Provisions Act.
Congressman Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-07) introduced the legislation alongside Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Dan Goldman (NY-10).
The bipartisan bill is aimed at strengthening cooperation with Israel, Greece, and Cyprus. It will ensure the continuation of the Interparliamentary Eastern Mediterranean Security Cooperation Group and create a new mechanism for coordination between militaries and homeland security officials. The legislation also lifts the embargo on arms sales to Cyprus for five years.
“The Eastern Mediterranean is crucial to America’s national security and economic future, and this bipartisan legislation strengthens our partnership with Israel, Greece, and Cyprus to confront mutual threats,” said Kean. “With the passage of the Department of State Policy Provisions Act out of committee, we are one step closer to improving cooperation between these countries and promoting stability in a critical region. I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to see this legislation passed on the House floor and signed into law.”
“The growing strategic partnership between the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus has been a tremendous boon to our shared interests in the Eastern Mediterranean, strengthening our ability to combat terrorism,” said Gottheimer. “Whether in the Eastern Mediterranean or elsewhere, there is simply no substitute for robust U.S. leadership and strong cooperation with our allies. I’m proud that key provisions of my bipartisan legislation advanced out of committee this week. I remain committed to strengthening our ties with Israel, Greece, and Cyprus and holding Turkey accountable for its continued aggression.”
“I thank Chairman Brian Mast and the House Foreign Affairs Committee for including our bipartisan legislation to enhance cooperation on counterterrorism and maritime security between the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus as part of the State Department’s reauthorization,” said Malliotakis. “Strengthening this partnership is vital, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to build on this momentum to pass this important bill.”
“I am encouraged that sections of our important bipartisan legislation, which will strengthen cooperation with our democratic allies in the Eastern Mediterranean and promote regional security, were included in the State Reauthorization bill,” said Goldman. “In an increasingly complex global landscape, it will reinforce our efforts to promote democracy in the region, counter authoritarian influence by the Erdogan regime in Turkey, and ensure the United States and its allies are better equipped to detect emerging terrorist threats and respond swiftly in defense of our shared democratic values.”
