Strengthening Cooperation and Security in the Middle East Act

Bill Number

H.R. 1385

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-14: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2025-12-16T09:05:17Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation, titled the "Strengthening Cooperation and Security in the Middle East Act," aims to enhance regional stability and cooperation in the Middle East by requiring the U.S. government to create a plan for expanding membership in the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (CSIPA). CSIPA is a 2023 agreement focused on joint military efforts, economic ties, technology sharing, and countering threats in the region.

Key Provisions

• Report Development: Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary of State, consulting the Secretary of Defense, must submit a report to specified congressional committees. The report outlines a strategy to grow CSIPA membership and includes:
• An analysis of CSIPA's benefits, such as improved military readiness, economic collaboration, technology advancements, stronger alliances, and responses to threats like Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping since October 2023.
• Examination of how CSIPA can use the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet (based in Bahrain) for regional power projection and countering threats from Iran or other adversaries.
• Assessment of long-term gains from expansion, potential framework changes for broader security and deterrence, needed resources, and barriers (domestic or regional) limiting growth.
• Recommendations for deeper U.S. collaboration with existing CSIPA members.
• Strategy and Briefing: Within 180 days after the report, the Secretary of State must submit a strategy for engaging Middle Eastern and non-Middle Eastern allies to join CSIPA, including specific U.S. actions to boost membership. A briefing on implementation must follow within 60 days.
• Submission Format: Both the report and strategy are unclassified but may include a classified annex for sensitive details.
• Defined Committees: "Appropriate congressional committees" include the House and Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs/Foreign Relations and Armed Services.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new mandates for reporting and strategic planning on CSIPA, which did not previously exist in U.S. law. It builds on the 2023 CSIPA agreement by formalizing U.S. efforts to expand it, without altering the agreement itself or other statutes directly.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Increases workload for the Departments of State and Defense in analysis, strategy development, and congressional reporting, potentially requiring additional resources for diplomacy and military coordination.
• Citizens: U.S. citizens may indirectly benefit from enhanced regional security, reduced threats to global trade (e.g., Red Sea shipping), and stronger alliances that could lower defense costs or improve economic opportunities through technology and commerce ties.
• International Relations: Could strengthen U.S. influence in the Middle East by promoting broader alliances, deterring adversaries like Iran, and fostering economic prosperity; may encourage participation from more countries, improving collective responses to regional conflicts.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Government Entities: Departments of State and Defense (lead roles); congressional committees on foreign affairs and armed services (oversight and recipients of reports).
• CSIPA Members and Allies: Current participants (e.g., Bahrain as host of the U.S. Fifth Fleet) and potential new members in the Middle East (e.g., other U.S. allies) or beyond, who could gain from expanded security and economic cooperation.
• Regional Actors: Countries facing threats like Houthi attacks or Iranian influence, benefiting from joint military and deterrence efforts.
• Broader International Community: Shipping and trade entities affected by Red Sea security, as well as U.S. adversaries who may face increased regional pressure.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Establishes clear timelines and consultation requirements, ensuring accountability through unclassified submissions with optional classified elements to balance transparency and security. No direct enforcement mechanisms beyond reporting, so compliance relies on executive branch discretion.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers over foreign affairs and military oversight (Article I, Section 8), providing a check on executive foreign policy without infringing on presidential treaty-making authority.
• Political: Reinforces bipartisan support for Middle East stability (introduced by representatives from both parties), potentially shaping U.S. strategy amid ongoing conflicts; highlights focus on alliances over unilateral action, but could spark debates on resource allocation or engagement with non-Middle Eastern countries.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1]

Cosponsors (5)

Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-14: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2025-02-14: Introduced in House
• 2025-02-14: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Strengthening Cooperation and Security in the Middle East Act — issued 2025-02-14 — PDF (5 pages)