Kean and Colleagues Advance Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism & Security Bill

Contact: Riley Pingree

(September 19, 2025) WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, the House Foreign Affairs Committee advanced the American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism & Maritime Security Partnership Act as part of the Department of State Policy Provisions Act.Congressman Kean introduced the legislation alongside Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Dan Goldman (NY-10).

The bipartisan legislation will strengthen cooperation with our key allies in the Mediterranean - Israel, Greece, and Cyprus. It will ensure the continuation of the Interparliamentary Eastern Mediterranean Security Cooperation Group and establish a new mechanism to ensure coordination between our militaries and homeland security officials. The bill also lifts the embargo on arms sales to Cyprus for five years - a critical step for both Cyprus and the region.

"The Eastern Mediterranean is crucial to America's national security and economic future, and this bipartisan legislation strengthens our partnership with Israel, Greece, and Cyprus to confront mutual threats," said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07). "With the passage of the Department of State Policy Provisions Act out of committee, we are one step closer to improving cooperation between these countries and promoting stability in a critical region. I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to see this legislation passed on the House floor and signed into law."

"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-05). "Whether in the Eastern Mediterranean or elsewhere, there is simply no substitute for robust U.S. leadership and strong cooperation with our allies. I'm proud that key provisions of my bipartisan legislation advanced out of committee this week. I remain committed to strengthening our ties with Israel, Greece, and Cyprus and holding Turkey accountable for its continued aggression."

"I thank Chairman Brian Mast and the House Foreign Affairs Committee for including our bipartisan legislation to enhance cooperation on counterterrorism and maritime security between the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus as part of the State Department's reauthorization," said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11). "Strengthening this partnership is vital, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to build on this momentum to pass this important bill."

"I am encouraged that sections of our important bipartisan legislation, which will strengthen cooperation with our democratic allies in the Eastern Mediterranean and promote regional security, were included in the State Reauthorization bill," said Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10). In an increasingly complex global landscape, it will reinforce our efforts to promote democracy in the region, counter authoritarian influence by the Erdogan regime in Turkey, and ensure the United States and its allies are better equipped to detect emerging terrorist threats and respond swiftly in defense of our shared democratic values."

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