American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Partnership Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2510
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-31: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-06T09:05:59Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The legislation aims to strengthen counterterrorism and maritime security cooperation and training among the United States, Israel, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus through the existing "3+1" multilateral framework. This framework builds on prior U.S. laws promoting security and energy partnerships in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Key Provisions
- Findings (Section 3): Outlines the strong bilateral and multilateral ties between the U.S. and each partner country, including historical recognitions, defense agreements, joint military exercises, counterterrorism coordination, and strategic importance of locations like Souda Bay in Greece and the Cyprus Center for Land, Open-seas, and Port Security (C.Y.C.L.O.P.S.). It emphasizes shared goals to counter terrorism and maritime threats in the Eastern Mediterranean.
- Statement of Policy (Section 4): Declares U.S. policy to:
- Create a security-focused subcomponent within the "3+1" structure.
- Expand strategic dialogues, joint exercises, and participation in programs like the Combating Terrorism Fellowship.
- Boost support for training at C.Y.C.L.O.P.S. in Cyprus and Souda Bay in Greece.
- Enhance International Military Education and Training (IMET) programs for interoperability.
- Promote investments in counterterrorism, border security, intelligence sharing, and maritime awareness.
- Interparliamentary and Interexecutive Groups (Sections 5–7):
- Removes the scheduled end date for the existing "3+1" interparliamentary group (from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022).
- Establishes a new "Israel, Greece, Cyprus, and United States Interparliamentary Eastern Mediterranean Security Cooperation Group" with up to 12 U.S. members (6 from Senate, 6 from House, including committee representatives) to meet at least twice yearly with counterparts from partner countries on security issues.
- Creates an "Interexecutive Eastern Mediterranean Security Cooperation Group" with designated officers from the U.S. Departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security to meet at least twice yearly with executive counterparts from partner countries.
- Training Programs (Sections 8–9):
- Establishes the "Counterterrorism Education for Readiness Building in the East-Mediterranean Region to Unify Security Program" (CERBERUS) at C.Y.C.L.O.P.S. in Cyprus (if agreed by Cyprus) for counterterrorism training to improve cooperation and interoperability among the four countries' organizations.
- Creates the "Training and Readiness Initiative for Regional East-Mediterranean Maritime-Security Enforcement" (TRIREME) at Souda Bay in Greece (if agreed by Greece) for maritime security training.
- Both programs must include elements promoting respect for civilian authority and require periodic reports and briefings to Congress on implementation, structure, and results.
- Strategies and Reports (Section 10): Requires the Secretaries of Defense and State (in consultation) to submit unclassified strategies (with possible classified annexes) within one year on enhanced counterterrorism and maritime security cooperation in the "3+1" structure.
- Changes to Arms and Assistance Restrictions (Section 11):
- Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 to replace a prohibition repeal with a "sense of Congress" supporting defense articles for Cyprus.
- Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to remove specific limitations and requirements on security assistance and certain arms sales to Cyprus.
- Funding Authorizations (Section 12): Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026–2029, including:
- $5 million for new facilities and equipment at C.Y.C.L.O.P.S. (to be made available to Cyprus afterward) and $2 million annually for its general support.
- $1.5 million annually for CERBERUS implementation.
- $5 million for new facilities and equipment at Souda Bay (to be made available to Greece afterward) and $2 million annually for support.
- $1.5 million annually for TRIREME implementation.
- IMET funding: $1 million for Israel, $250,000 each for Greece and Cyprus to build joint operation capabilities.
- Definitions (Section 13): Specifies "appropriate congressional committees" as the House and Senate committees on Armed Services, Foreign Affairs/Relations, and Homeland Security/Governmental Affairs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Permanently extends the "3+1" interparliamentary group by eliminating its termination clause in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.
- Eases restrictions on U.S. security assistance and arms transfers to Cyprus by amending prior laws (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 and Foreign Assistance Act of 1961), shifting from outright prohibitions or strict requirements to a supportive congressional stance. This removes barriers stemming from historical tensions, such as Cyprus's arms embargo related to its division and relations with Turkey.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Departments of Defense, State, and Homeland Security will see increased coordination responsibilities, including establishing training programs, hosting meetings, and submitting reports/strategies to Congress. This may require reallocating resources for facilities, equipment, and personnel training.
- Citizens: U.S. and partner country citizens could benefit indirectly from enhanced regional security against terrorism and maritime threats, potentially reducing risks to travel, trade, and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. No direct impacts on domestic citizens are outlined.
- International Relations: Strengthens alliances in the Eastern Mediterranean, promoting stability amid threats like those from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran-backed groups. It could improve interoperability among militaries, foster deeper economic ties through security investments, and signal U.S. commitment to non-NATO allies (Israel) and NATO members (Greece), while advancing cooperation with Cyprus for regional prosperity.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Government: Congress (via oversight and participation), Departments of Defense, State, and Homeland Security (for implementation and funding).
- Partner Governments: Israel (as a Major Non-NATO Ally), Greece (NATO ally hosting key U.S. bases), and Republic of Cyprus (emerging security partner), including their defense ministries, militaries, and training centers like C.Y.C.L.O.P.S. and Souda Bay.
- Military and Security Personnel: Officials from ministries, agencies, and headquarters in the four countries who will participate in expanded training, exercises, and dialogues.
- Broader Regional Actors: Indirectly affects entities in the Eastern Mediterranean, such as NATO, the EU, and neighboring countries (e.g., Turkey), through heightened focus on counterterrorism and maritime security.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill authorizes specific appropriations and amends foreign assistance laws to facilitate arms transfers, potentially streamlining U.S. security aid to Cyprus without violating existing international agreements. It mandates respect for civilian authority in training, aligning with U.S. human rights standards in military aid.
- Constitutional: Involves Congress's powers over appropriations, foreign affairs, and military oversight, with interparliamentary groups enhancing legislative diplomacy. No direct constitutional challenges are raised, but it reinforces separation of powers through required congressional briefings.
- Political: Signals bipartisan U.S. support for Eastern Mediterranean alliances, building on post-2023 Hamas attack solidarity with Israel and Greece's NATO contributions. It may influence regional dynamics by easing Cyprus's isolation in arms access, potentially affecting U.S.-Turkey relations due to Cyprus's division, while promoting multilateralism over bilateral ties.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]
Cosponsors (22)
Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-31: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-03-31: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-03-31: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-31: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Partnership Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-31 — PDF (24 pages)