WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), co-chairs and vice co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, on March 19 introduced the U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance to Greece for five years.
“Greece is a steadfast democratic ally of the United States, a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and an essential partner in ensuring regional security and prosperity. IMET assistance strengthens cooperation, training, and interoperability between our Armed Forces, a critical component of our bilateral relationship,” said Congressman Pappas. “That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan legislation to reauthorize IMET for another five years, and why I will push for its passage as well as other efforts to strengthen cooperation with our allies to protect America’s security interests.”
U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis. Photo: Courtesy of Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ office
“The United States and Greece share a deep and enduring partnership rooted in our mutual commitment to democracy, stability, and security in a strategically vital region of the world. As a proud co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, I am honored to help lead the U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act, which further strengthens this critical alliance,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “Greece has long been a reliable NATO ally, consistently meeting its defense spending commitments and serving as a key pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. This legislation builds upon our existing defense cooperation by enhancing joint military training, expanding security assistance, and reinforcing our shared capacity to address emerging threats. At a time of increasing global uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with trusted partners like Greece. This bill underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing peace, deterring aggression, and promoting security in the region. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to advance this important legislation and to continue strengthening the bonds between our two nations for generations to come.”
U.S. Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. (Photo: Public domain)
“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 U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act to ensure regional security and economic prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean,” said Congresswoman Titus.
“As Vice Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, I applaud Greece’s decision to strengthen its national defense, including upgrades to its F-16 fleet and advanced air defense systems. As a steadfast U.S. ally and a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, Greece plays a vital role in promoting regional security and democratic values,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “As instability persists across the Middle East, threats from Iran persist 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.”
U.S. Congresswoman Dina Titus. (Photo: Public domain)
This legislation is endorsed by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), AHEPA, and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC).
Background:
Congress has recognized the significance of expanding U.S. cooperation with Greece through the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act and the United States-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act which was signed into law as part of the FY2022 NDAA. The USGDIP recognized that Greece, a key NATO ally, is a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and that the United States should remain committed to supporting the region’s security and prosperity through cooperation with Greece.
IMET appropriations for Greece help meet the increased need for education and training of the Greek Armed Forces. The funds facilitate the establishment of contacts between American and Greek officers, which will optimize cooperation and interoperability between the Armed Forces of the two countries. The strategic importance of Greece at NATO’s Eastern and Southern flanks has been more reflected in recent years, including the war in Ukraine, between Israel and Hamas following the October 7th attacks, and U.S. military operations in Iran.