The House Foreign Affairs Committee has approved the bipartisan US-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act. The legislation provides a five-year reauthorization of American military assistance to Greece through the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program.
The bill was introduced by Representatives Chris Pappas, Gus Bilirakis, Dina Titus, and Nicole Malliotakis, the co-chairs and vice-chairs of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus. It aims to enhance military training, cooperation, and interoperability between the United States and Greek Armed Forces.
Importance of the US- Greece defense cooperation
The sponsors emphasized the strategic importance of the alliance, citing Greece’s role as a cornerstone of regional stability. Representative Chris Pappas called Greece an “indispensable partner” for regional security and prosperity, noting that IMET funding is a “critical element” of the bilateral relationship. He pledged to continue pushing for the bill’s final passage to safeguard US security interests.
Representative Gus Bilirakis highlighted the enduring partnership rooted in a shared commitment to democracy and security, calling Greece a “reliable NATO ally” and a pivotal partner in the Eastern Mediterranean, while Representative Dina Titus stated that the US-Greece diplomatic and defense partnership is “too important to ignore” and expressed her strong support for the bill when it comes to the House floor for a full vote.
Representative Nicole Malliotakis noted that the committee’s approval reaffirms a powerful alliance, adding that strengthening US-Greece defense cooperation is “more important than ever” given current global dynamics.
Strategic impact and support
The legislation has earned strong backing from prominent Greek-American organizations, including the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), AHEPA, and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC).
According to the bill’s sponsors, IMET appropriations will meet the growing training needs of the Greek military while fostering vital professional relationships between US and Greek officers. The initiative aligns with broader US foreign policy, which views Greece as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and a critical strategic ally on NATO’s eastern and southern flanks.
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