RELEASE: Gottheimer Leads Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Maritime Security With Key Allies Israel, Greece, and Cyprus

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Tom Kean (NJ-7), and Dan Goldman (NY-10) to introduce the bipartisan American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism & Maritime Security Partnership Act. 

This legislation strengthens the ‘3+1’ partnership between the U.S., Israel, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus by establishing joint training programs to enhance counterterrorism and maritime security cooperation, upgrading U.S. military facilities in Greece and Cyprus, and lifting the remaining arms restrictions on Cyprus — a critical step for both Cyprus and the region.

“The growing strategic partnership between the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus has been a tremendous boon to our shared interests in the Eastern Mediterranean, strengthening our ability to combat terrorism,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), a member of the bipartisan Congressional Hellenic Caucus and the bipartisan Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance. “Whether in the Eastern Mediterranean or elsewhere, there is simply no substitute for robust U.S. leadership and strong cooperation with our allies. I remain committed to strengthening our ties with Israel, Greece, and Cyprus and holding Turkey accountable for its continued aggression.” 

“I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11). “Enhancing cooperation in counterterrorism and maritime security between the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus is vital, and we must continue to strengthen this partnership.” 

“The strategic partnership among the United States, Israel, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus is a cornerstone of regional stability and international security in the Eastern Mediterranean. This bipartisan effort enhances our collective ability to combat terrorism and further advances America’s long-term interests in defense, strategic cooperation, and the safeguarding of shared democratic values,” said Congressman Tom Kean (NJ-7).

“I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important piece of bipartisan legislation that seeks to strengthen cooperation with our democratic allies in the Eastern Mediterranean and promote regional security. In an increasingly complex global landscape, this bill reinforces our counterterrorism efforts and ensures that the United States and its allies are better equipped to detect emerging threats and respond swiftly in defense of our shared democratic values,” said Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10).

“The American Hellenic Institute has been a longtime advocate of the importance of the “3+1” partnership between Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, Israel, and the United States. “3+1” is a powerful regional cooperation structure that should be utilized to the fullest extent to protect America’s interests, secure its international commerce, and to provide peace, stability, and safety in an area of great geopolitical importance. By initiating this new bill, AHI and congressional leaders on this issue aim to see the “3+1” partnership grow to the next level, especially in terms of security cooperation. AHI will continue its work in Washington, D.C. to push forward the passage of this critical next step,” said the American Hellenic Institute (AHI).

“B’nai B’rith International is pleased to support bipartisan legislation that will bolster the working relationship between the United States and its democratic allies in the Greece-Cyprus-Israel democratic triangle. The American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Partnership Act is a crucial bill that will promote stability and counter emerging threats in one of the world’s most strategically vital regions. It also will enhance the 3+1 partnership in key areas of regional cooperation, such as military and maritime security and counterterrorism,” said B’nai B’rith International. 

“The American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Partnership Act is exactly the kind of strategic initiative the United States should prioritize to reinforce critical alliances, confront emerging threats, and promote regional stability. By institutionalizing cooperation with Israel, Greece, and Cyprus through the 3+1 framework, the legislation strengthens military interoperability, enhances intelligence fusion, and advances coordinated maritime security operations. FDD Action endorses this important effort to promote American leadership alongside democratic partners on the front lines of counterterrorism in the Eastern Mediterranean,” said Tyler Stapleton, Director of Government Relations at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Find the bipartisan legislation here.

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