A bipartisan group of Greek-American lawmakers has formally introduced the U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act, a move designed to lock in a five-year reauthorization of International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance for Greece.
The bill, led by Hellenic Caucus co-chairs Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Chris Pappas (D-NH) alongside vice co-chairs Dina Titus (D-NV) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), seeks to move beyond year-to-year funding. By securing a half-decade commitment, the legislation aims to deepen the “interoperability” of the two nations’ armed forces during a period of intense global volatility.
Greece: “Pillar of stability” in the Mediterranean
Congressman Gus Bilirakis emphasized that the bill is a response to the current geopolitical climate, noting that the alliance is rooted in a “mutual commitment to democracy, stability, and security in a strategically vital region.”
“At a time of increasing global uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with trusted partners like Greece,” Bilirakis stated. “This bill underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing peace, deterring aggression, and promoting security in the region.”
Representative Chris Pappas echoed this sentiment, highlighting the practical benefits of the IMET program, which facilitates joint training and officer exchange. He described Greece as an “essential partner” whose military cooperation with the U.S. is a “critical component of our bilateral relationship.”
Countering regional threats
The timing of the legislation is particularly significant given the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
“The diplomatic relationship and defense partnership between the United States and Greece are too important to be overlooked. I am proud to join my Hellenic colleagues in supporting the US-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act to ensure regional security and economic prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus.
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis pointed to specific regional challenges, including Iranian threats and Turkish aggression, as reasons for the reinforced partnership.
“As instability persists across the Middle East… and Turkey continues its illegal overflights above the Greek Islands and aggression toward neighboring Cyprus, the strong partnership between the United States and Greece is critical to advancing peace, deterrence, and collective defense,” said Malliotakis.
Building on the strategic foundation of the Greece-US alliance
The act builds upon the framework established by the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which officially recognized Greece as a key NATO ally on the alliance’s Eastern and Southern flanks. By extending IMET appropriations through 2031, the U.S. aims to optimize the technical and tactical coordination between American and Greek officers.
The legislation has already garnered strong support from major advocacy groups, including the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), AHEPA, and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC).