U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act

Bill Number

H.R. 8019

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-05-13: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 43 - 3.

Last Updated

2026-06-10T08:07:40Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 8019: U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act

Purpose

This legislation authorizes the President to provide International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance to Greece. The goal is to support military training programs that build partnerships between the United States and Greece.

Key Provisions

• The President may offer IMET assistance to Greece for these specific purposes:
• Training future leaders.
• Promoting understanding of the United States.
• Building relationships between U.S. Armed Forces and Greece's military.
• Improving the ability to work together in joint operations.
• Emphasizing professional military education, civilian oversight of the military, and human rights protections.
• The bill authorizes $1,800,000 in funding each year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support these activities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill adds a targeted authorization for IMET assistance specifically for Greece under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
• It introduces dedicated annual funding for this purpose over a five-year period, rather than relying on general IMET appropriations.

Potential Impacts

• Government agencies: Expands options for the executive branch to conduct military training programs with Greece through existing IMET channels.
• International relations: Strengthens bilateral military ties between the United States and Greece, potentially improving coordination on joint operations.
• Citizens: Limited direct effects, though improved defense cooperation may indirectly support broader U.S. foreign policy interests.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• The U.S. Congress, which authorizes the assistance and funding.
• The President and relevant executive agencies responsible for implementing IMET programs.
• Greece's military forces, which would receive the training.
• U.S. Armed Forces, which would participate in building partnerships.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• The legislation falls within Congress's constitutional authority to regulate foreign commerce and authorize appropriations for foreign aid.
• It contains no provisions that alter constitutional balances or raise notable legal concerns.
• Politically, it focuses on advancing defense cooperation without introducing new restrictions or mandates.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]

Cosponsors (9)

Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]

Recent Actions

• 2026-05-13: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 43 - 3.
• 2026-05-13: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2026-03-19: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2026-03-19: Introduced in House
• 2026-03-19: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act — issued 2026-03-19 — PDF (2 pages)