Booker & McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Advance U.S. Energy, Security, Economic Interests, and Partnerships in the Eastern Mediterranean

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Dave McCormick (R-PA), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have introduced landmark bipartisan legislation to significantly elevate U.S. engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean and accelerate cooperation on energy, trade, and critical infrastructure. The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act would strengthen the region's role as a strategic connector between the United States, India, the Middle East, and Europe by mobilizing U.S. support for ports, digital corridors, and other strategic infrastructure designed to diversify and secure energy flows, strengthen regional supply chains, and deepen diplomatic ties with key partners.

"Global energy security and supply chains are under growing strain, and the Eastern Mediterranean is emerging as a critical region for enhancing stability and cooperation on a range of shared strategic interests, including support for the U.S.-India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor" said Senator Booker. "I am proud to introduce this important bipartisan legislation to strengthen energy security, accelerate innovation and economic growth, and deepen regional partnerships."

The bill would also expand collaboration in innovation, science, and emerging technologies, reinforcing and modernizing existing regional frameworks. By supporting the Eastern Mediterranean as a vital connective hub linking Europe, the Middle East, and India, the legislation advances core U.S. interests: strengthening energy security, enhancing economic integration, and promoting long-term regional stability.

"Operation Epic Fury showed that the Eastern Mediterranean is not on the sidelines of the Middle East - it's at the center of it. Our critical regional partners like Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt stepped up with critical defense, intelligence, and logistical support when it mattered most," said Senator McCormick. "The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act strengthens these partnerships, makes the region a bigger priority for the U.S., and helps secure the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, so critical trade and energy routes aren't left vulnerable to Iran, China, or other adversaries."

The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act strengthens U.S. backing for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), recognizing the region's role as a strategic gateway in IMEC, and reinforces existing regional initiatives, including the 3+1 framework with Greece, Israel, and Cyprus, and the East Mediterranean Gas Forum. The legislation would:

• Elevate the Eastern Mediterranean as a strategic priority within U.S. foreign policy;

• Establish regular high-level strategic dialogues with IMEC partners and regional allies;

• Advance cross-border energy and infrastructure projects;

• Assess opportunities to expand successful U.S.-Israel innovation and technology programs to additional regional partners;

• Evaluate multilateral models like Cyprus's CYCLOPS center for regional integration.

Read the full text of the bill here.