Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3307
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-21: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 45 - 2.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T08:06:41Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act aims to boost U.S. cooperation with countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region to enhance energy security and defense capabilities. It positions these countries as a key link in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a major connectivity project launched in 2023 to connect Asia, the Middle East, and Europe as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative.
Key Provisions
- Findings and Sense of Congress: The bill outlines Congress's view that the Eastern Mediterranean is strategically vital for U.S. interests. It highlights energy projects (e.g., undersea power cables and LNG terminals), diplomatic efforts like the U.S.-Greece-Israel-Cyprus "3+1" framework and the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, and the need for stronger ties with partners such as Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, and Israel. Congress urges resuming "3+1" meetings and U.S. leadership in regional integration.
- Diplomatic Measures:
- Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish ongoing multilateral talks between the U.S. and IMEC countries, with a focus on Eastern Mediterranean nations that already have bilateral U.S. dialogues.
- Requires prioritizing the Eastern Mediterranean in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing energy security and defense partnerships.
- Reporting and Analysis Requirements:
- Annual reports from the Secretary of Energy (with State Department input) on the bill's implementation, including updates on energy projects and defense efforts.
- A one-time briefing from the Secretary of State on U.S.-IMEC multilateral initiatives.
- An analysis of the Cyprus Centre for Land, Open Seas, and Port Security (CYCLOPS) as a model for broader international cooperation on security.
- A study on the costs, steps, and feasibility of creating or expanding U.S. bilateral programs (e.g., research funds in agriculture, industry, science, and technology modeled on U.S.-Israel partnerships) to include other Eastern Mediterranean and IMEC countries.
- Definitions:
- "Eastern Mediterranean country" includes Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.
- "IMEC country" includes the European Union, Germany, France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, India, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S., and any others designated by the Secretary of State.
- "Appropriate congressional committees" are specified House and Senate panels on energy, commerce, and foreign affairs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new authorities and requirements without directly amending prior laws. It builds on existing frameworks, such as the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 (which promotes regional connectivity) and the Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2022 (encouraging Middle East normalization). It references a 2025 presidential determination allowing U.S. defense sales to Cyprus, signaling a policy shift toward deeper security ties previously restricted by arms embargoes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases workload for the State Department (diplomacy and prioritization), Energy Department (reporting on projects), and Homeland Security (security analysis). Could lead to new funding needs for dialogues, studies, and programs.
- Citizens: Limited direct effects on U.S. citizens, but indirect benefits through enhanced global energy security (e.g., diversified supplies reducing reliance on certain regions) and stronger alliances that may improve economic opportunities in trade and innovation.
- International Relations: Strengthens U.S. ties with Eastern Mediterranean and IMEC partners, promoting stability and countering geopolitical rivals like China. It could accelerate infrastructure projects (e.g., energy interconnectors) and foster economic growth in the region, while encouraging broader Middle East integration via initiatives like the Abraham Accords.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Government: Departments of State, Energy, and Homeland Security; congressional committees on foreign affairs and energy.
- Eastern Mediterranean Countries: Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, gaining from expanded U.S. partnerships in energy, defense, and research.
- IMEC Countries: India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, EU members (e.g., Germany, France, Italy), benefiting from enhanced connectivity and multilateral cooperation.
- Regional Organizations: East Mediterranean Gas Forum and "3+1" framework participants, with U.S. leadership reinforced.
- Private Sector: Energy firms and researchers involved in infrastructure, LNG, and joint programs (e.g., modeled on U.S.-Israel science foundations).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Authorizes executive actions (e.g., dialogues and designations) without mandating appropriations, relying on existing budgets. Reports ensure congressional oversight, aligning with separation of powers.
- Constitutional: Supports the president's foreign affairs powers under Article II while involving Congress through senses of Congress and reporting, maintaining checks and balances.
- Political: Reinforces U.S. strategic priorities in a multipolar world, promoting alliances against adversarial influences. It could face debate over resource allocation or sensitivities in U.S.-Cyprus arms policy, but emphasizes bipartisan regional stability without controversial mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10]
Cosponsors (35)
Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Wagner, Ann [R-MO-2], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Messmer, Mark B. [R-IN-8], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7], Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-21: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 45 - 2.
- 2026-01-21: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-05-08: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2025-05-08: Introduced in House
- 2025-05-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act — issued 2025-05-08 — PDF (9 pages)