Bill In order to deepen the security relationship between the US with Greece, he was submitted to the House of Representatives by the leaders of the Greek Affairs Group in the Congress.
The new inter -party initiative entitled “Law on the Recording of Security Cooperation between the US and Greece” aims to investigate the opportunities for expanding the US military presence in Greece, including the islands.
In this light, it is envisaged that the US Secretary of Defense should submit a report to Congress that will identify and present new opportunities to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.
In particular, the report will include a description of the rights of the bases provided under the MDCA agreement, which allows the US forces to access four additional military bases in Greece.
The bill was tabled by MPs Grace Meng, Gas Bilirakis, Dina Taitou and Nicole Malliotakis. Legislators argue that this initiative comes at a critical juncture, as ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have forced the Pentagon to increase military activity in the region.
As they characteristically note, “the activity on bases such as Alexandroupolis and the Gulf of Souda was a key pillar of US and NATO promotion throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, Eastern and Southeast Europe, Ukraine and the Middle East, playing in the East.
Nearly a year ago, MP Grace Meng had submitted a similar issue of this legislation as an amendment to the defense budget of 2024, which was passed by the House of Representatives.
Meng
“The support of Greek -American relations was my priority from the first time I came to Congress. Queens hosts a strong and active Greek community that I am proud to represent. This legislation will help to enhance the link between our nations by supporting the strong US-Greece defense relationship and expanding the US-NATO cooperation horizons to support our allies and dealing with our opponents. Greece is one of our strongest allies and Congress must continue to strengthen the cooperation between our two countries and honor our Greek communities by promoting this legislation. “
Gus Bilirakis
“Strategic cooperation between the United States and Greece is more vital than ever. As a cornerstone of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, Greece plays a critical role in promoting regional security, the treatment of malicious influence and supporting NATO’s collective defense. The “law on the registration of security cooperation between the US and Greece” is an important step towards ensuring that our mutually beneficial alliance remains strong, transparent and future -oriented. By enhancing our defense cooperation and deepening our links in the field of information and security, this legislation confirms our common commitment to peace, democracy and common prosperity. Strengthening this cooperation not only promotes US interests of national security, but also helps to protect a free and stable Europe. “
Dina Tait
“The security relationship shared by the United States and Greece is very important to overlook. That is why I have united my strength with my colleagues in supporting the bill, ensuring that the government informs Congress about how the mutual defense cooperation agreement and the possibility of a modified US military presence can support our continued bilateral cooperation.
Nicole Malliotakis
“I participate with my colleagues in the introduction of inter -party legislation that deepen the Standing United States’ alliance with Greece. Strengthening cooperation with our Greek partners reinforces US security, prevents aggression in the Eastern Mediterranean and promotes regional stability. This bill also requires regular revisions of the position of our forces and highlights the strategic value of basic sites such as the Gulf of Souda and Alexandroupolis. With this measure, we confirm that the United States will stand by Greece to defend our common democratic values and to secure the Eastern Mediterranean for future generations. “
The bill is supported by the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), and the AHEPA organization.
Edi Zemenidis, HALC Executive Director
“For over a decade, Congress has been leading the narrower US-Greece bilateral relationship that has ever existed. Meng MP has long recognized the important role played by the bases covered by the mutual defense cooperation agreement. The legislation that she and her colleagues introduce will help optimize this advantage and lead the bilateral relationship to the next level.
Alexander Kristoforos – Director of Legislative Affairs
“The US Greek Institute praises MP Grace Meng for its continued leadership in the US-Greece defense relations, which is the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. AHI thanks her for introducing this bill, which will allow the US to obtain the information they need to potentially increase the utilization of Greece’s geostrategic sites, including Alexandroupolis.
Savvas Tsivikos, High President AHEPA
“The annual report on security relations between the United States and Greece, as drafted by the Minister of Defense, is an essential part of cooperation between the United States and the Hellenic Republic. As a member of NATO, which regularly exceeds the 2% GDP target for military spending, Greece is a close and reliable ally. Cooperation with Greece in the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Europe, Eastern Europe and the Middle East is decisive for US foreign policy, and MP Meng’s “Law on the Recording of Security Cooperation between the US and Greece” only seeks to strengthen this. AHEPA, a leading Greek -American organization based on its base, welcomes the introduction of the bill and calls for it to vote. “